By Progress Godfrey

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has charged local government chairmen to drive inclusive development by strengthening social protection systems at the grassroots nationwide.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement with local government chairmen organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja, Bagudu called for stronger collaboration across federal, state and local levels to improve welfare delivery.

The minister, in a statement on Thursday, said Nigeria’s Constitution places a clear responsibility on public officials to promote inclusion and improve the wellbeing of citizens, stressing that governance must translate into tangible outcomes for ordinary people.

Bagudu noted that despite ongoing reforms, many Nigerians still face hardship, insecurity and weak market returns, making targeted social protection and inclusive policies critical.

“At the heart of governance in Nigeria is the achievement of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We must recognise that many hardworking Nigerians — farmers, fishermen, herders, traders, and small business owners — often do not receive returns commensurate with their effort. This makes social protection and inclusive governance necessary,” he said.

He stressed that delivering effective social protection requires a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving development partners, civil society and communities.

Bagudu referenced Section 13 of the Constitution, saying all tiers of government are mandated to work together to achieve national development goals and improve living standards.

“Local government chairmen, as the chief executives of their councils, must take ownership of development outcomes within their jurisdictions,” he said.

He said the 2017 National Social Protection Policy established key programmes such as the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), N-Power and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme to support vulnerable populations.

The minister added that the National Economic Council has approved the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to map opportunities and gaps at the grassroots, reduce duplication and improve coordination, while urging councils to unlock local economic potential and drive inclusive growth.