FG Unveils Ward-Level Social Action Taskforce, Commits ₦17bn to Grassroots Development

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR 
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria 

"To ensure timely delivery, the President has approved a project timeline starting March 1, 2026, with completion expected by December 2026. A Programme Management Unit will be housed within the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to oversee implementation." Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare 

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a Community-Based National Social Action Fund Taskforce aimed at accelerating grassroots development and improving socio-economic outcomes across Nigeria’s 8,804 wards.

The initiative, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deploy community-driven interventions tailored to local needs, with each ward engaging a verified community-based entity, organisation, or association to execute priority projects.

The move builds on earlier reforms, including the creation of the Social Action Fund (SAF) in September 2023 and the Community-Based Procurement Platform approved in January 2026, which simplifies access for community organisations to deliver projects valued at up to ₦50 million.

To ensure timely delivery, the President has approved a project timeline starting March 1, 2026, with completion expected by December 2026. A Programme Management Unit will be housed within the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to oversee implementation.

In support of the rollout, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation have been directed to release ₦17 billion into a ring-fenced special intervention account to fund implementation, monitoring, communication, and accountability mechanisms.

Speaking on the development, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the initiative as a major shift toward locally driven service delivery.

“This approach places communities at the centre of development. By enabling each ward to identify and implement its priority needs, we are unlocking practical solutions that directly improve livelihoods and strengthen service delivery where it matters most.”

He added that planned interventions may include community nutrition support, provision of essential health commodities such as micronutrients and therapeutic foods, as well as minor infrastructure upgrades in schools, health facilities, and sanitation systems.

The Taskforce will be chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and includes key members such as the Minister of Finance, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Other members are the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and a National Coordinator.

FG Upgrades NTBLTC Zaria to Public Health Institute

In a related development, President Tinubu has approved the upgrade of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre (NTBLTC), Zaria, into the National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases.

The upgrade, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and rapid response.

The new institute will serve as a multidisciplinary hub for public health training, research, and workforce development, expanding access to advanced learning and enhancing the country’s readiness to manage infectious disease threats.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare