A farmers’ umbrella body, the Crop, Aquaculture, Livestock Farmers and Value Chain Economic Actors Association of Nigeria, has expressed support for the grassroots economic initiative of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known as the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.
The group made the commitment during a meeting with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, in Abuja on Wednesday, where it pledged to collaborate with the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the initiative.
The Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, unveiled last year by President Tinubu, is designed to stimulate economic activities at the grassroots by strengthening development planning at the ward level across the country.
The initiative seeks to achieve this through coordinated collaboration among the federal, state and local government authorities, with a focus on empowering communities and expanding local economic opportunities.
During the meeting, the farmers’ association delegation, led by its representative, Aliyu Adulraheem, expressed readiness to work with the government to ensure the programme delivers tangible benefits for agricultural producers and value chain actors nationwide.
The group noted that farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain play a crucial role in driving economic growth and food security, adding that their participation in the programme could help accelerate development at the community level.
In his remarks, Bagudu welcomed the delegation and emphasised the importance of constructive engagement between government institutions and organised stakeholder groups in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda.
According to the minister, effective collaboration between the government and professional bodies, civil society organisations and private-sector actors is essential to achieving sustainable national development goals.
He stated that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning remains open to partnerships that will enhance the successful implementation of government policies and programmes.
Bagudu added that the ministry is committed to strengthening coordination among various stakeholders to ensure that development initiatives such as the ward development programme produce measurable impact across communities.
The minister further reiterated the government’s commitment to creating policies that support inclusive economic growth and empower grassroots communities, particularly through agriculture and other productive sectors.
Observers say the involvement of organised farmers and agricultural value chain actors could play a key role in the success of the ward-level development strategy, given the sector’s importance to livelihoods and the broader Nigerian economy.
With stakeholders pledging support and collaboration, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme is expected to deepen grassroots economic participation and drive development across communities nationwide.
