Just In: President Tinubu inaugurates National Economic Council

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC).

The Council, chaired by the Vice President Kashim Shettima was inaugurated at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja

Speaking during the inauguration, President Tinubu charged all 36 governors to collaborate and use local government to rapidly develop infrastructure in view of enormous challenges facing the nation.

“You and I asked for it. We campaigned for it. We even danced for it. So, we have no reason to complain. Members of this country are behind us. They want reforms and they want it quickly. You here are stakeholders…. Collaboration is not a crime. Please, let us do so.”

The President noted that the task of growing the nation’s economy is enormous and he admonished the NEC members that there is “no excuse for failure”.

The event was attended by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and the 36 Governors of the Federation.

Membership of the NEC comprises the 36 state governors, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government officials.

The NEC, which will meet monthly, is mandated to “advise the president concerning the economic affairs of the federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various governments of the federation”.

Oluwatoyin Madein, acting accountant-general of the federation, and Folashodun Shonubi, acting CBN governor, were also present at the meeting.