President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC) with a firm commitment to sustaining the revitalization of the nation’s economy.
In his address to the Governors of the federation, President Tinubu urged the council to unite and provide unwavering support to his administration in its efforts to transform the country’s economy.
He reminded the council of the eight priority areas, including Security, Economy, Job Creation, Agriculture, and Infrastructure, that he had outlined during his inaugural speech.
President Tinubu acknowledged the enormity of the task of growing the economy, but emphasized that he and the Governors should not complain, highlighting the importance of harnessing the nation’s potential to stimulate substantial growth.
The inauguration took place one week after President Tinubu directed the NEC to convene and propose interventions to mitigate the impact of petroleum subsidies.
In concluding his address, the president reiterated that collaboration among NEC members is essential and should not be viewed as a crime.
Among those present at the commencement of the meeting were Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Aliyu Radda of Katsina, and Hycinth Alia of Benue.
Also in attendance were Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Charles Soludo of Anambra, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Mohammed Bago of Niger, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto.
Additionally, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Alex Otti of Abia, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Abba Yusuf of Kano, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Umar Kadafur (Deputy Governor of Borno), and Lucky Ayedatiwa (Deputy Governor of Ondo) were present.
Notable attendees also included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari; Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein; Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi; Permanent Secretaries of Budget and National Planning, Federal Capital Territory Administration, and State House.