ActionAid Nigeria has commended the Federal Government’s launch of the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), describing it as a promising grassroots intervention with the potential to impact over 8.8 million Nigerians across 8,809 electoral wards.
However, the organisation stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and community participation to ensure the programme’s success and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, said the ward-based approach is a welcome shift towards localised economic planning that could reduce poverty, strengthen livelihoods, and improve social protection. He warned, however, that weak coordination and lack of community involvement could undermine its objectives.
“This initiative, if properly implemented, could serve as a pathway to economic recovery for millions of marginalised Nigerians,” Mamedu said.
He cited lessons from the government’s previous ₦25,000 monthly cash transfer scheme, which reached only 5.5 million of the 15 million targeted households by March 2025, according to IMF data. The shortfall was attributed to poor enrolment processes, inadequate outreach, and weak state-level structures.
Mamedu also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in previous interventions, such as the fertiliser distribution scheme, which allegedly saw some allocations sold by political officeholders rather than reaching intended beneficiaries.
“To avoid a repeat, RHWDP must be inclusive, transparent, and participatory,” he stressed. “Communities must be partners in planning and oversight, not passive recipients. Clear communication on selection criteria, disbursement timelines, and ward-level allocations is essential to build trust.”
He strongly cautioned against politicising the programme, urging the Federal Government to prevent its use as a tool for patronage or electoral gain.
“This initiative must serve the people, not political interests. Special attention must be given to women, youth, and the most vulnerable,” Mamedu said.
ActionAid further called for the publication of allocation data and independent oversight to monitor implementation. Mamedu urged the government to utilise the National Social Register, which currently lists over 68 million vulnerable Nigerians, as the foundation for selecting beneficiaries.
He also challenged state and local governments to take their development responsibilities seriously, noting that effective grassroots delivery requires capable institutions and committed leadership.
“Delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks must not derail this programme,” he warned.
ActionAid pledged to support the initiative through community monitoring and advocacy, calling on all levels of government to treat RHWDP as a national commitment to equitable, people-centred development.
