Tinubu Tasks Local Councils on Food Security, Jobs, Healthcare

President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria's local government councils to focus on food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, job creation, and support for local businesses as part of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. This directive was conveyed during a National Conference for the councils and traditional rulers' councils in Abuja.

Tinubu emphasized that the success of government policies should be judged by their impact on communities rather than merely announcements in Abuja. He urged local government chairmen to ensure citizens experience improvements in primary healthcare, basic education, rural roads, access to safe water, and support for small businesses, while also promoting opportunities for women and young people.

The President stressed that local government autonomy granted by the Supreme Court demands responsible delivery of effective governance. He advised councils to employ evidence-based decision-making, technology, and reliable data in planning and implementing projects, transforming them into "centres of planning, delivery, early warning, and measurable results."

Tinubu stressed that local governments should actively participate as development partners in Federal Government initiatives, strengthening their capacity for coordination and innovation. The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs plans to enhance project tracking and monitoring across local government areas using electronic tracking systems.

The ministry aims to improve project visibility, monitoring, and accountability by capturing project details, implementing timelines, fiscal progress, risks, and challenges. The conference, themed "Cascading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the Grassroots," will run until Thursday, with a focus on modern technology applications in agriculture and food exports to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.