President Tinubu Opens NEC Conference
The National Economic Council Conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” began today in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu opening the event and assuring Nigerians that he would ensure that the gains of his economic reforms reflect on the lives of Nigerians, even as he vowed that bandity, terrorism and insurgency would be defeated.
Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shetima, the conference is attended by the 36 state governors, federal ministers, the diplomatic community, development partners, private-sector leaders, and other stakeholders.
The two-day conference ends tomorrow.
Below is the welcome address of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, whose ministry serves as the secretariat of NEC:
Protocols
Mr. President
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this National Economic Conference, which offers an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, especially over the last two and a half years. Our constitutional federalism, unique in its own way, envisions cooperation, joint action, and occasional sharing of experiences.
The National Economic Council is a vital constitutional advisory body to the President, chaired by the Vice President, but it is crucial for managing our federalism. It provides a voice to all the federating units, builds confidence, and encourages consensus.
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who always values dialogue, has given it a prominent role. Not only does he respect the body’s advice, but he also engages with it and participates in policy formulation.
Mr President, we warmly welcome you to the conference and sincerely thank and congratulate you. Notably, over the past two years, you have attended at least four NEC meetings, demonstrating your respect for our federalism.
We thank you for your contributions, including those that have strengthened our federalism. Today, a more united federation is gathered here because of the choices you made. Not only have your reforms improved the fiscal condition of States and Local Governments, but the majority of the burden is borne by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
You have encouraged us to recognise that true federalism lies in our ability to recognise the potential of the lowest level of government, which is closest to the people, and to support the sustainable generation of value within it. Hence, your focus is on what each ward can do and how it can be supported.
We congratulate you on the global acclaim of the growing success of your bold and economic reforms. Just last week, a visiting World Bank delegation led by the Managing Director, Operations, told the world that Nigeria’s reforms have become a global reference.
In fact, an IMF report covering the same period also listed Nigeria among the ten leading countries contributing most to global economic growth. This is in addition to many other statements from leaders of various nations, international organisations, and private-sector actors.
But more important than what others say is what Nigerians say. Members of the NEC represent the 36 states and the FCT. They have been given opportunities to contribute to most of the reform measures, and commendably, most of them — regardless of party — believe you are pursuing what our country needs and fully support the Government. In fact, some have said they can’t justify being in another party.
It is clear that you want to be remembered as someone who led us to make the right choices, not necessarily the most convenient ones. While we have performed well, it is even more crucial to concentrate on how we can improve further.
How do we sustain our momentum, ensure it benefits everyone, equip our people with the skills needed to compete, and envision the future so we can plan accordingly? How do we eradicate poverty and reach a minimum $1 trillion economy by 2030? How do we mobilise our three tiers of government and our citizens?
I believe this aligns with what Section 130(2) of our Constitution intends, by describing the President as Chief Executive Officer of the Federation, as well as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation. You have performed these roles admirably.
Your Excellency, the Vice President and Chairman of NEC, Senator Kashim Shetima, has not only ensured that the monthly meetings are held but also upheld a tradition in which the body serves as a platform for dialogue, where every member has a voice. Occasionally, presentations are made to help understand policy and gather support.
All 36 State Governors have participated commendably in the proceedings, often agreeing with the policies and programmes proposed by the Federal Government. Some of these relate to the coordination of fiscal and monetary policies, security, infrastructure, grassroots development, and measures to boost domestic production.
In fact, Governors are either leading or serving on Committees that tackle national issues, including efforts to increase national revenue by curbing oil theft.
I, therefore, thank our governors for their cooperation and steadfast faith in our cooperative federalism.
I also wish to express my appreciation for the excellent work of the NEC Secretariat, skillfully led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. I thank you.
Mr President, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you once again to this conference
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