Tag: NEC

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved N100 billion for the rehabilitation of training institutions belonging to the police and other security agencies nationwide, subject to final ratification by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision was taken at the Council’s 154th meeting held virtually on Wednesday.

The approval followed recommendations by an ad-hoc committee set up to evaluate the state of training facilities across the country.

Presenting the committee’s findings, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, said many of the institutions were in deplorable condition and required urgent overhaul to enhance national security preparedness.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha said NEC also approved N2.6 billion for consultancy services associated with the rehabilitation project.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the meeting, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding security institutions and charged governors to ensure that economic reforms at both federal and state levels translate into visible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

He emphasised that governance must deliver tangible results rather than promises.

“Our task is not to admire problems, but to solve them. Not to explain challenges, but to overcome them. Reforms must produce outcomes felt in our markets, schools, clinics, and farms across the federation”, Shettima said.

Meanwhile, the Accountant-General of the Federation, during the meeting, presented updates on key national accounts as of November 2025.

The Excess Crude Account stood at $525,823.39, the Stabilization Account at N71,647,494,101.12, and the Natural Resources Development Account at N79,252,769,532.35.

NEC also received an update on the national polio eradication campaign from the Gombe State Governor, who chairs its Ad-Hoc Committee on Polio.

Council noted that Nigeria recorded 73 cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) as of Week 47—a 39 per cent reduction from the 119 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.

He said significant gains were reported in Kano and Katsina, which achieved 94 per cent and 88 per cent reductions, respectively.

However, new detections were confirmed in Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Zamfara, highlighting the need for intensified action.

An integrated Measles–Rubella, HPV, and Polio vaccination campaign across 20 northern states and Oyo State recorded high coverage, reaching 83 per cent of planned settlements with geo-evidence, and achieving over 90 per cent vaccination uptake among targeted children.

A crucial round of nOPV2 campaigns will begin this month across northern states, with NEC urging Deputy Governors to convene State Task Force meetings and directing LGA chairmen to lead Evening Review Meetings for real-time assessment.

The Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, also briefed the Council on domestic gas supply challenges, noting that gas producers are owed over $1 billion for supplies dating back to 2011.

Of the naira-denominated debt, N185 billion has been validated by NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

President Tinubu had earlier approved the immediate settlement of the N185 billion through future oil and gas royalty deductions.

NEC commended the initiative and formally endorsed the payment to ensure improved gas supply for domestic production.

…polio cases drop by nearly half as NEC reviews eradication efforts

The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday approved the Nigerian Medium-term National Development Plan 2026–2030, otherwise known as the Renewed Hope Economic Development Plan, aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion economic growth target.

Briefing State House correspondents after the 151st NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the plan will succeed the current 2021–2025 framework, which expires in December.

Bagudu explained that the Renewed Hope Plan is anchored on Nigeria’s 30-year Agenda 2050, which was developed in 2020 with broad input from the private sector, civil society, political parties, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders. 

The long-term agenda provides for six successive five-year plans, with the 2026–2030 framework being the second in the series.

“The Renewed Hope Plan 2026–2030 will ensure policy continuity, consolidate ongoing reforms, and respond to emerging socioeconomic challenges. It will accelerate job creation, improve human capital, expand sustainable infrastructure, enhance food security, and strengthen social protection,” Bagudu said.

He added that the plan will serve as a critical bridge between the current reform momentum of the Tinubu administration and the broader aspirations of Agenda 2050. 

Preparatory work is scheduled to commence this month to allow President Tinubu formally launch the plan before the year ends, ensuring federal, state, and local governments align their programmes with its objectives.

According to the minister, the process of developing the plan will be participatory, involving the three tiers of government, the private sector, civil society, labour, youth groups, and traditional rulers. 

To guide the process, three governance structures will be established: a national steering committee, a central working group, and technical working groups co-chaired by representatives of both the public and private sectors, with state governors representing each of the six geopolitical zones.

Bagudu disclosed that the Council drew on the contributions of members, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who shared insights from his experience with previous development frameworks. 

The Council, he said, commended the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for initiating the process early enough to ensure timely delivery.

Read Also: First Lady reassures Nigerians on Renewed Hope Initiative’s non-partisan programmes

“The Council approved the proposed new national development plan, the Renewed Hope 2026–2030, and urged effective participation by all states and stakeholders to guarantee inclusivity and accelerated growth,” the minister stated.

Meanwhile, the Council has received encouraging updates on Nigeria’s fight against polio, with new data showing that reported cases have declined from 78 to 42 within months, following intensified immunisation efforts in high-risk states.

Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who heads the NEC Committee on the Eradication of the Polio Virus, while speaking during the briefing, said significant progress had been recorded, particularly in Kano and Katsina, where cases have dropped by 85 per cent and 84 per cent respectively.

“The committee was principally set up to stop the circulation of the type-2 polio virus, which is a new variant more prevalent in the Northwest states. The epidemiological data is on a downward trend—from about 78 cases in 2024 at the 33rd week to 42 cases as of our last meeting. Kano and Katsina have recorded the largest reductions, while Gombe has no case at all this year,” Yahaya stated.

He, however, expressed concern over Sokoto State, which accounts for 13 of the 23 cases recorded in 2025, making it the highest contributor. 

He disclosed that discussions had been held with the Sokoto State governor to intensify strategies for wider vaccination coverage.

According to the governor, vaccination and surveillance efforts have expanded significantly, with settlements reached through geo-coordinate mapping increasing from 71 per cent in April to 78 per cent in June. 

Vaccination coverage also rose from 81 per cent to 84 per cent in the same period, reaching 2.7 million children across 11 high-risk states during the first round of in-between round exercises.

Beyond vaccination, Yahaya noted that routine health services such as nutrition supplements for pregnant women and anti-malaria drugs were integrated into the campaigns. 

A second round of vaccination is scheduled for September 11–14 across 11 high-risk states, while a nationwide integrated campaign will follow in October, targeting children aged 0–14 years with measles, rubella, polio vaccines, malaria prevention, and interventions against neglected tropical diseases.

To strengthen accountability, the committee recommended that deputy governors chair state task force meetings at least two weeks before new campaigns in high-risk states, while commissioners of health and primary healthcare agencies are to conduct post-campaign reviews. 

Local government chairmen will also be required to lead mop-up exercises at the grassroots level.

Yahaya added that security agencies have been directed to provide cover for immunisation teams in volatile areas of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi. Meanwhile, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency urged prioritisation of resources to secure vaccines and ensure timely distribution. 

NEC, in turn, tasked the Accountant-General of the Federation with guaranteeing efficient release of funds for primary healthcare activities.

“The current progress is promising, but the fight must continue until Nigeria achieves total eradication of the polio virus,” Yahaya said.

Also briefing, the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, revealed that the Excess Crude Account has been whittled down to just $535,823.39. 

He added that the Stabilisation Account holds N78.45 billion, while the Natural Resources Account stands at N106.72 billion.

…economic seeds we’ve sown are beginning to bear fruits — Shettima

The National Economic Council (NEC) has called on state governments to actively participate in the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) as part of a coordinated effort to combat food security challenges and their root causes across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, NEC took the decision on Thursday during its 147th meeting chaired by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a presentation to council, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture (Office of the Vice President), Marion Moon, and coordinator of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), highlighted the strategy proposed by the unit to collaborate with sub-nationals in addressing food insecurity and unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potentials across the country.

She said the PFSCU priorities, especially in agri-business, will enhance delivery mechanisms and expedite action in the attainments of targets enshrined in the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the various aspirations by the respective state governments.

In its resolution, NEC “commended the presentation by the coordinator of the unit and urged state governments to key into the initiative,” even as it “requested the unit to prepare key achievements of its unit at the next meeting of the council”.

Earlier, Vice President Shettima said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.

The VP urged members of the Council to brace up for the new year, taking into cognizance the extent to which the programmes, projects, and policies executed this year have influenced the course of the nation’s economy.

Speaking on Thursday during the 147th NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Shettima noted that it was not just the final meeting of Council for the year but also a session to assess progress made so far in advancing the aspirations of the Nigerian people, and whether the actions and decisions taken have justly prioritised the collective good over individual interests.

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He said, “Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.

“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit”.

VP Shettima observed that the NEC meeting which is always held at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa has been an avenue that provides diverse viewpoints, including dissenting and contrarian voices, noting that it attest to the democratic disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He stated: “This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognised your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.

“As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many. Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted”.

The Vice President also described the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focuses on Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, as a significant opportunity for Nigeria.

“This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts.

“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he further noted.

…okays Renewed Hope creative villages in states

…approves flood mitigation, financial support for states

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved measures to enhance the operations of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), including allocating 0.05% of non-oil federation revenue for its funding.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state, who disclosed this while addressing journalists at the State House after the 147th NEC meeting held in Abuja, also said NEC approved the initiation of a legislative review of RMFAC establishment Act.

The decision followed an earlier presentation by the RMFAC Chairman at the November 21 NEC meeting, highlighting the Commission’s critical role in the Federation and its current funding challenges.

Governor Soludo explained that the NEC considered RMFAC’s draft repeal-and-replace legislation, which aims to update the legal framework governing the Commission to better reflect its responsibilities.

The Council agreed that the draft bill should be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.

In response to RMFAC’s request for alternative funding mechanisms, NEC approved a recommendation to allocate 0.05% of non-oil Federation revenue to the Commission.

While RMFAC initially requested 0.75%, NEC settled on the lower figure as a tentative measure, subject to further scrutiny and approval by the National Assembly.

Governor Soludo emphasized the vital role of RMFAC in the Federation’s fiscal management and stressed the need for adequate funding to enable the Commission to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

He noted that the Council’s decisions mark a significant step toward ensuring that RMFAC is better equipped to address its mandate.

“Among the issues discussed at today’s NEC was also the presentation of a report in respect of an earlier presentation by the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC) to NEC on the 21st of November, seeking essentially revised or repeal of the existing Act of Parliament establishing the Commission and to replace it with a new one, and then also seeking for alternative funding to the institution.

“So the report elaborately noted the very onerous responsibilities of RMFAC and as a very critical institution in the functioning of Federation, and noted the inadequate funding for this institution to be able to perform its tasks.

“It then also noted the draft repeal and replace legislation that was also pending and after deliberating this, the Council noted thus and approved as follows:

“First is that RMFAC should forward the drafted bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law; and second, the Council also approved the recommendation for improved funding for RMFAC and approved that the Commission be funded with 0.05% of non-oil Federation revenue, based on the proposed tax reforms and subjected to further scrutiny by the National Assembly .

“I know the Commission had requested for 0.75 but in the wisdom of NEC, it was tentatively agreed to 0.05%, of course subject to review by the National Assembly”, he said.

Read Also: NEC approves improved funding, legislative review of establishment Act for RMFAC

Also briefing journalists, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, said that the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy made a presentation for the establishment of historic sites to be named as Renewed Hope Creative Villages.

According to him, “the whole idea is for the ministry to be able to work first, with a lot of the sub nationals to identify some of these sites and identify some of these very historic locations, and see how they are adopted, into the creative villages, as a one stop shop.

“We’ve talked about the enormous opportunity that are bound in the creative industry, especially with our rural historic sites and with our monuments. So the whole idea around the presentation was for the ministry to put it at the front burner and for the sub nationals to be able to work with them identify various sites that can become what we call thriving.

“We know that sector has the potential of giving hundreds and thousands of jobs.”

The Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed that the indebtedness of States to the Federal Government was N16.6 billion.

He said the Excess Crude Account as at December 10, was $424 million, Stabilisation account, N33.3 billion, while natural resources account was N23 billion

“Also reported as regards the surpluses that states have with the federal government, that figure is currently 363.4 billion naira, while the state deficit position with the federal government, stands at approximately N16.6 billion.

The Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, also briefed journalists on the ad hoc committee focused on flood, erosion, drought, and desertification, chaired by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo.

Eyakenyi reported that the committee has successfully implemented several recommendations, particularly regarding financial assistance to states grappling with flood issues.

She said council resolved to conclude the committee’s activities, transferring responsibilities to a task force dedicated to ongoing flood and erosion mitigation efforts.

The Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor added that NEC approved the disbursement of remaining funds allocated for flood mitigation initiatives, emphasizing the need for continued support for affected states.

“Another important update that was discussed, deliberated on the ad hoc committee on flood, erosion, drought and desertification, which is the committee chaired by the Kogi State Governor and Governor, the chairman of NEC and Adhoc Committee Chairman governor of kogi state, gave an update report on the committee’s activities and noted the implementation of some of the recommendations made by the committee, especially the provision of financial support to states and disbursements of funds to the line ministries and the agencies of government, to address flood issues in the various states.”

Continuing, Eyakenyi said, “The Chairman of the committee prayed that the Council should approve the winding down all the committee’s activities because the final report was submitted, and also to transfer the duties to the task force on flood, erosion, drought and mitigation agencies.

“The resolution of the Council today after deliberation, was that council noted all the players of the committee and also commended The Chairman and members for discharging their tax dutifully and approved the recommendations for the disbursement of the balance of the funds approved for MDAs for the Flood Mitigation and other related activities”, she said.

The permanent Secretary of Budget and Economic Planning, Obi Vitalis, said NEC also discussed the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality (HOPE) project, aimed at enhancing human capital through improved governance and service delivery in education and healthcare.

Key outcomes include increased transparency in fund allocation, hiring qualified personnel, and addressing foundational service constraints.

He said the World Bank has approved $500 million for the HOPE-GOV initiative, with further approvals expected for HOPE-EDU in March 2025.

The NEC acknowledged the importance of human capital development initiatives under the HOPE project, recognizing their potential benefits for all sub-national entities given Nigeria’s extensive challenges in these sectors.

The Vice President underscored that this initiative represents a “golden opportunity” for states to revitalize their healthcare delivery systems and educational sectors. He urged all state governments to actively engage with the program by nominating focal persons who can drive its implementation locally.

States interested in participating in the HOPE project are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) letter to the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF), along with copies to relevant sectoral ministries and the World Bank. Several states have already submitted their EOIs, demonstrating early engagement with the initiative.