The Niger State government has released a total of N822 million to support community development projects across all 274 wards in the state. Each ward is set to receive N3 million to kickstart small-scale projects designed and managed at the local level.
This initiative was confirmed by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Mohammed, during a statewide tour aimed at informing traditional leaders and stakeholders about the programme. The tour included visits to key traditional institutions in the Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie Emirates.
Mohammed noted that the goal is to revive ward-level development strategies that directly benefit people at the grassroots. According to him, the funds will be used for projects chosen by members of each community, making the approach more inclusive and responsive to local needs.
“Each of the wards will receive a sum of N3 million to implement locally driven projects identified by community leaders and residents. We are here to sensitise our royal fathers and community leaders on the state government’s renewed focus on ward-level development. This project is designed to empower communities to take ownership of their development priorities,” he said.
To make sure the money is properly managed, the government will form committees at both the ward and local government levels. These committees will include traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society members, and political representatives.
They will oversee the planning and execution of the projects to ensure transparency and proper use of resources.
Mohammed also assured the leaders that no ward would be left out and every project will be closely monitored for effective results. “It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to ensuring transparency, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he added.
During the tour, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, praised Governor Mohammed Bago’s leadership and vision for rural development. She noted that the programme will especially help women, who often face the toughest challenges in rural communities.
“When boreholes, primary health care centres and schools are working and in good shape, productivity and social economic growth will be boosted in the state,” Mamman said.
Traditional rulers also expressed support for the initiative. The Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Engineer Tafida Bago III, the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, and a representative of the Emir of Suleja, Engineer Shuibu Gani, all commended the governor for focusing on people-centered development.
