President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the National Construction and Household Support Programme, a significant initiative unveiled during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale stated that the programme aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy, and provide immediate economic relief to Nigerian households. Supported by the NEC, this initiative encompasses financial allocations and infrastructure projects across all geo-political zones.

A key component of the programme includes the approval of a N50,000 uplift grant, to be distributed to 100,000 families per state for three months. Additionally, N155 billion has been allocated for the purchase and distribution of assorted foodstuffs nationwide to address food security and affordability concerns.

The programme also focuses on significant infrastructure projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will traverse seven states and is crucial for agricultural sustainability. Other projects include the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway. 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.

Furthermore, Ngelale announced that each state and the Federal Capital Territory will receive N10 billion for the procurement of buses and the implementation of the compressed natural gas uplift programme. Provisions have also been made for labour unions and civil society organizations.

During the NEC meeting, President Tinubu urged state governors to collaborate to meet citizens’ needs and boost food production. He emphasized the urgency of agricultural mechanization, high-quality seedling provision, and solar-powered irrigation facilities.

“Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset, and we must act swiftly,” Tinubu stated. “We are ready and able to support you with the mechanization of agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings. We must produce the food our people eat, create jobs, and generate wealth by exporting excess produce.”

President Tinubu concluded by seeking feedback from the governors on their support needs, urging them to report back within seven days.