President Tinubu Approves Immediate Rollout of National Construction and Household Support Programme

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President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action to address Nigeria's economic and agricultural challenges by approving the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy, and provide urgent relief to Nigerians across all six geo-political zones.


The programme prioritizes several major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will connect Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos. This highway is crucial as it traverses areas vital to the nation's agricultural sustainability. Within this corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over one million hectares of arable land.


Other significant road projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway, linking Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja.


President Tinubu has also approved full counterpart financing for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway and the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway. These rail projects are set to enhance connectivity across numerous states, including Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.


To provide immediate economic relief, the programme includes:

1. A one-off allocation of N10 billion to states and the Federal Capital Territory for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programmes.

2. N50,000 uplift grants to 100,000 families per state for three months.

3. Provisions for labor unions and civil society organizations.

4. Deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and distribution of assorted foodstuffs nationwide.


During a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of state cooperation to meet the programme’s goals. He underscored the urgency of boosting food production, noting the Sokoto-Badagry Highway’s pivotal role in connecting the food belt states and facilitating food exports via Badagry.


President Tinubu highlighted the critical need for agricultural mechanization, high-quality seedlings, and solar-powered irrigation to support farmers year-round. He reiterated that producing high-quality food for domestic consumption and export is paramount for job creation and wealth generation.


The President stressed the importance of timely action and accountability, urging governors to collaborate and implement necessary reforms. He asked state leaders to report back with their support needs within seven days, ensuring the programme's successful execution.



By addressing these strategic areas, President Tinubu's initiative not only aims to alleviate immediate hardships but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic stability and growth in Nigeria.

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