President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the National Construction and Household Support Programme during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesman, released a statement outlining the programme’s objectives, which are to enhance agricultural productivity, bolster the economy, and offer immediate economic relief to Nigerian households.
Ngelale mentioned that the NEC supported the programme, which includes financial allocations and infrastructure projects distributed across all geo-political zones of Nigeria.
A significant feature of the programme is the N50,000 uplift grant, which will be distributed to 100,000 families per state for three months.
Additionally, N155 billion has been allocated for the purchase and distribution of assorted foodstuffs nationwide to address issues related to food security and affordability.
The programme also encompasses several infrastructure projects. One key project is the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will pass through seven states and is considered crucial for agricultural sustainability. The states along this route are regarded as the nation’s food belt.
Other ongoing infrastructure projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway.
Tinubu also approved full counterpart financing for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway and the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway.
Moreover, the NEC has approved the allocation of N10 billion to each state and the Federal Capital Territory for the procurement of buses and the implementation of the Compressed Natural Gas Uplift Programme.
Provisions have also been made for labour unions and civil society organizations.
During the NEC meeting, Tinubu urged state governors to collaborate in addressing citizens’ needs and increasing food production in the country.
He emphasized the urgency of these efforts by stating, “Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late.”
He assured the governors of federal support, highlighting plans to mechanize agricultural processes and provide high-quality seedlings. He also mentioned the provision of solar-powered irrigation facilities to support farmers throughout the year.
Tinubu stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among NEC members to ensure the production of sufficient food for the population.
