The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim Suleiman, has urged Local Government Chairmen across the country to strengthen grassroots governance and enhance the delivery of inclusive social protection programmes targeted at vulnerable Nigerians.
Suleiman made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a Stakeholder Engagement with Local Government Chairmen, organised by the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office at the Transcorp Hilton.
She described the engagement as timely, noting that it aligns with efforts to promote inclusive governance, social equity, and sustainable development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister commended the initiative, stressing that the theme, “Strengthening Local Government Leadership for Inclusive Development and Social Protection Delivery,” reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that no vulnerable citizen is left behind.
According to her, local governments remain the closest tier of government to the people and play a critical role in delivering essential services and social interventions at the grassroots.
“Your offices remain the first point of contact for millions of Nigerians seeking hope, protection, empowerment, and access to essential services,” she said.
Suleiman outlined key priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including poverty reduction, women and youth empowerment, family support systems, and expanded social protection coverage nationwide.
She highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) as a flagship programme designed to strengthen community-based empowerment and social protection across all 774 local government areas.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of accurate community-level data in strengthening the National Social Register, noting that collaboration with local government authorities is essential for effective targeting of beneficiaries.
She further urged the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the social protection system to reduce exclusion, particularly among women, persons with disabilities, and rural dwellers.
Suleiman called on local government chairmen to intensify sensitisation and enrollment efforts to ensure that eligible citizens benefit from government programmes.
She also referenced the National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally initiative championed by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, themed “The Power of 10 Million: One Voice, One Movement, One Choice.”
She appealed for stronger collaboration between local governments and the Federal Government to drive inclusive development, economic empowerment, and social cohesion across the country.
The event brought together stakeholders in governance, social development, and grassroots administration from across Nigeria.
