Shettima tasks governors with translating Tinubu’s reforms into better living conditions as Council prioritises food affordability, investment, transport and household support……
The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a 90-day economic action plan aimed at easing the cost of living, improving food affordability and translating the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The plan, proposed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, also seeks to attract investment, remove obstacles to economic activities and fast-track projects expected to have a direct impact on citizens’ lives.
The endorsement followed a presentation by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, at the Council’s 161st meeting, held virtually on Thursday and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the plan outlines five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of high-impact projects, removal of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.
As part of efforts to strengthen accountability, NEC also approved the establishment of a national dashboard to monitor ongoing projects across the federation. The platform is expected to improve transparency and provide accurate information on how proceeds from the removal of fuel subsidies are being utilised.
Presenting the economic outlook, Oyedele expressed optimism about the progress of the administration’s reform programme but stressed the need to sustain implementation across federal and state institutions.
He identified bringing headline inflation and interest rates down to single digits by 2027 as key policy objectives, noting that the next phase of reforms must focus on delivering measurable improvements in the lives of households and businesses.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of targeted interventions, better fiscal coordination and removing barriers that discourage investment.
Addressing Council members, Shettima said the ultimate measure of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms should be their impact on the living conditions of Nigerians.
He urged state governors and relevant institutions to prioritise affordable transportation, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities and greater financial security.
“The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life. Our task is to make such confidence less dependent on fortune,” the Vice President said.
Shettima described the Council’s discussions on transportation, healthcare, police reform and livestock development as important to determining whether economic progress translates into a better quality of life.
He called for stronger cooperation among the three tiers of government, insisting that differences in their respective responsibilities should not prevent the delivery of essential services.
“Our separate jurisdictions must serve a common public interest,” he said.
On the National Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiative, the Vice President urged state governments to support transportation systems that reduce the financial burden on commuters.
He said the programme should be judged by how affordable and accessible its services are, rather than by the number of vehicles deployed.
“The cost of reaching a livelihood should never consume the livelihood itself,” Shettima said, adding that the success of public transportation should be measured by the journeys it makes possible and the savings it delivers to passengers.
He further urged governors to contribute their knowledge of local conditions to national policy decisions, stressing that effective implementation would require clear responsibilities and practical agreements between federal and state authorities.
Shettima also maintained that government policies should be assessed by their ability to reduce uncertainty, create opportunities and strengthen public confidence.
“Nigerians deserve institutions on which they can organise their lives. Providing that assurance is among the most consequential uses of public authority,” he said.
NEC Reviews Ebola Preparedness, Urges States To Strengthen Response
Meanwhile, the Council received an update from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory.
Pate sought to reassure Council members about Nigeria’s capacity to manage the situation, outlining measures being developed to strengthen the country’s response and containment systems.
He identified coordination and governance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, the supply of essential medical kits and personal protective equipment, and strategic communication as key components of the response.
The minister disclosed that 21 state governments had updated their preparedness and response plans, urging the remaining 15 states to establish appropriate mechanisms without delay.
NEC Directs States To Step Up Polio Eradication Campaigns
The Council also considered a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Following its deliberations, NEC directed states to conduct post-campaign reviews, particularly in communities where children were missed during immunisation exercises and in areas affected by insecurity.
It also called for the timely release of counterpart funding, stronger routine immunisation programmes and improved coordination with security agencies to expand vaccination coverage.
The Council emphasised that sustained commitment from governors, traditional rulers and security agencies would be critical to eliminating polio in Nigeria.
Council Targets Jobs, Growth Through Livestock Development
On livestock development, NEC received a report from its Ad Hoc Committee on the sector, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
The Council acknowledged the sector’s potential to stimulate economic growth, create employment and improve livelihoods, while noting that all states had expressed interest in supporting the Federal Government’s livestock development initiatives.
It resolved to strengthen collaboration between federal and state governments to accelerate reforms and unlock the sector’s economic potential.
FG, States Plan Joint Funding For CNG, Electric Vehicles
The Council also considered a presentation on the National Affordable Compressed Natural Gas Transit Programme by Ismaeel Ahmed, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles.
NEC resolved to establish a joint financing framework between the Federal Government and state governments to accelerate the deployment of CNG-powered and electric vehicles across the country.
It stressed that the programme must produce direct benefits for Nigerians by reducing transportation costs, rather than merely increasing the number of alternative-energy vehicles on the roads.
The Council further directed relevant authorities to engage transport unions and operators to ensure that savings from the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles are reflected in lower fares for commuters.
To drive implementation, NEC agreed to constitute a committee to coordinate the financing arrangement, engage stakeholders and develop measures to make the programme affordable, accessible and sustainable.
