President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N17 billion for a community-based social action fund aimed at supporting development projects across Nigeria’s 8,804 political wards.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this on Wednesday, noting that the initiative will allow communities to identify and execute projects based on their most pressing needs.
Under the framework, each ward is expected to collaborate with a verified community-based organisation to carry out selected interventions. The programme is scheduled to run from March through December 2026.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the initiative is designed to shift development closer to the people, allowing communities to take part in decisions that directly affect them.
He said planned interventions will include nutrition support, provision of essential health supplies, and minor upgrades to schools, healthcare centres, and sanitation facilities.
To ensure coordination, a programme management unit will operate from the ministry’s Sector-Wide Approach Coordination Office, where it will oversee implementation and track progress.
The funding, which will be managed through a dedicated account, is expected to cover execution, monitoring, and accountability processes.
A taskforce led by the health minister will drive the implementation, working alongside key government institutions to ensure transparency and compliance.
With the total allocation, each ward is projected to receive about N1.9 million for its projects.
