PRESS STATEMENT

April 23, 2026

BAT-IDEOLOGICAL GROUP COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU ON ₦17 BILLION GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, URGES EXPANSION AND STRICT MONITORING

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) hereby commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and commendable approval of the ₦17 billion Community Based National Social Action Fund targeted at grassroots development across Nigeria’s 8,804 political wards, announced on April 22, 2026.

This landmark decision reflects a clear commitment to inclusive development and validates the advocacy efforts of BAT-IG as outlined in our internal memorandum dated April 1, 2026. In that memo, the group highlighted the need to channel increased federal allocations to states and local governments into tangible community level impact. We specifically encouraged all state coordinators to identify underserved communities and wards lacking basic amenities such as potable water, accessible healthcare centres and financial support systems including soft loans for farmers and market women, alongside other essential infrastructure.

We are pleased that the President has not only taken note of these recommendations but has actioned it. This development aligns strongly with BAT-IG’s ongoing strategic mobilisation efforts aimed at deepening grassroots engagement and fostering sustainable community driven development across the country.

It is important to note that BAT-IG has consistently championed this vision through practical initiatives. Earlier in March 2026, the group hosted a high level engagement in Abuja involving members of the military and paramilitary services, where discussions centered on their potential roles as community project facilitators. This initiative has already begun yielding results, with successful interventions recorded in communities such as Rigasa, Asa, and several others where our members have actively contributed to local development efforts.

Our philosophy remains clear and consistent. Every member of BAT-IG is encouraged to serve as a catalyst for community development, ensuring that progress is felt at the most basic levels of society.

This latest action by the President is a strong indication that he is attentive to constructive ideas and committed to translating them into impactful policies. It further reinforces our belief that his administration is focused on ensuring that development flows from the grassroots upward, creating a more balanced and inclusive national growth trajectory.

While we commend this significant step, we respectfully urge the President to institute a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure that the funds are effectively utilised and reach the intended beneficiaries. Transparency and accountability will be critical to the success of this initiative.

Furthermore, based on findings from our field research and reports received from our coordinators across various states, we strongly recommend an upward review of the allocated fund. While ₦17 billion is a commendable start, it may not be sufficient to meet the extensive needs identified across the 8,804 wards. Expanding the funding will greatly enhance the scope and impact of this initiative.

BAT-IG remains committed to supporting the administration in achieving its development objectives and will continue to play an active role in mobilising citizens and facilitating community driven progress across Nigeria.

Signed:

Bamidele Atoyebi,

Convener

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group