By joshua Kogi Finance Commissioner Visits Minister of State for Budget, Strengthens Collaboration on National Development and $1 Trillion Economy Agenda
The Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, on Tuesday joined his counterparts from Kebbi, Imo and Zamfara States on a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, FCA, in Abuja.
The meeting centred on ways to deepen cooperation between the Federal and State Governments as Nigeria pursues its economic growth objectives, including the target of building a $1 trillion economy. Discussions explored how stronger alignment in planning, investment priorities and programme implementation can help drive sustainable development across the country.
One of the key issues considered was the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), a Federal Government initiative aimed at stimulating economic activities at the grassroots. The programme is expected to cover all 8,809 political wards in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying local economic strengths and supporting productive sectors such as agriculture, mining, fishing, entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses.
Officials noted that the initiative has the potential to create jobs, expand economic opportunities and improve livelihoods in communities across the country. It is also expected to engage more than 10 million economically active Nigerians, making it one of the major interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond the RHWDP, the meeting provided an opportunity to review broader development priorities and ongoing programmes under the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Attention was also given to the draft National Development Plan (2026–2030), which the Minister directed should be shared with state governments for their review and contributions.
The move is expected to encourage greater state participation in the planning process and ensure that national development priorities reflect realities across the federation.
The visit underscored the growing recognition that meaningful economic progress requires closer coordination between the Federal Government and the states. It also reaffirmed a shared commitment to responsible planning, efficient use of resources and policies that can deliver measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.