President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Community-Based National Social Action Fund Task Force and the release of N17 billion to support grassroots development projects across Nigeria’s 8,804 wards.
The initiative is designed to accelerate socio-economic development at the community level through locally driven interventions tailored to the specific needs of each ward.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mr. Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the programme will engage verified community-based organisations to implement priority projects in their respective areas.
He explained that the approval builds on earlier reforms, including the creation of the Social Action Fund in September 2023 and the Community-Based Procurement Platform approved in January 2026, both aimed at simplifying access for grassroots groups to execute small-scale development projects valued at up to N50 million.
The President also directed that the implementation timeline begin on March 1, with full delivery expected by December.
To coordinate the initiative, a Programme Management Unit will be established within the Sector-Wide Approach Coordination Office of the ministry.
The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation have been instructed to release the N17 billion into a dedicated intervention account to ensure proper implementation, monitoring, communication, and accountability.
The task force will be chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and will include key officials such as the Minister of Finance, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, ministers of state, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, and heads of relevant federal agencies including the Bureau of Public Procurement, Budget Office, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Speaking on the initiative, Coordinating Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate said the programme represents a shift toward community-led development.
“This approach places communities at the centre of development. By enabling each ward to identify and implement its priority needs, we are unlocking practical solutions that directly improve livelihoods,” he said.
He added that projects under the scheme may include nutrition support, supply of essential health commodities, and small-scale infrastructure improvements in schools, health facilities, and sanitation systems.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the upgrade of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre in Zaria to the National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases.
The upgraded institute is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, public health training, and response to infectious disease outbreaks, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
