Bago Approves Two Tranches of Funds for Ward Development Projects Across 274 Wards

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has approved the release of two tranches of funds for the implementation of Ward Development Projects across the state’s 274 wards.

The governor gave the approval when he received a delegation of Ward Development Chairmen and other relevant officials led by Alhaji Shuaibu Mairago at the Government House in Minna.

Bago, who is widely known as the “Farmer Governor”, emphasised the importance of the initiative to rural development and improving the living conditions of residents across the state.

He said his administration would clear the backlog of funds owed under the Ward Development Project to facilitate the implementation of projects at the grassroots.

According to the governor, the administration’s objective is to deliver landmark development projects across all 274 wards as part of its rural renewal programme.

Bago also pledged to increase the monthly funding allocated to the Ward Development Projects to enable the initiative achieve greater impact across communities.

The governor urged Ward Development Project chairmen to liaise with relevant government agencies and properly coordinate projects before implementation.

He specifically mentioned the State Universal Basic Education Board, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Community and Social Development Agency and other relevant bodies.

Bago said such coordination was necessary to prevent duplication and conflicts between projects being implemented by different government agencies.

He commended the Ward Development Project chairmen for their patriotism and sacrifices, assuring them of his continued support.

Earlier, Alhaji Shehu Kagara commended the governor for reviving the Ward Development Projects in the state, saying adequate funding would contribute significantly to rural development.

Kagara said the funds already released had made noticeable impacts across the wards but appealed to the governor to approve additional funding to sustain the projects.

He also called for an increase in the monthly disbursement to enable the initiative deliver more development projects at the grassroots.

According to him, the Ward Development Project remained a strategic initiative capable of transforming rural communities if sustained.

“The drive is deep and enormous; it is a strategic initiative that can secure victory for the Farmer Governor with ease; therefore, it should be sustained,” Kagara said.

He also commended the leadership and staff of the Ministry for Rural Development, which oversees the Ward Development Projects, for their cooperation and support.

Kagara, a former federal lawmaker, assured Governor Bago of the group’s support as he seeks a second term in office in the 2027 general elections.

The development is part of the Niger State Government’s broader rural renewal efforts aimed at ensuring that development projects reach communities across the state’s 274 wards.