President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Nigerian economy, insisting that government policies must produce clear and measurable improvements in the daily lives of citizens.
Speaking at the close of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, the President — represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio — said reforms must move beyond discussions and deliver tangible results across all sectors.
Tinubu: Policies Must Translate to Real-Life Benefits
Addressing participants at the State House Conference Centre, Tinubu stressed that economic reform is a continuous process that requires discipline and consistent execution.
“Reform is not an event; it is a process that demands courage, patience, and consistency,” he said.
He urged federal and state governments to ensure that resolutions from the conference translate into:
- Job creation
- Business growth
- Road construction
- Improved schools and healthcare
- Expanded economic opportunities
According to the President, the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a political slogan but a national commitment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation.
Collaboration Key to National Growth
Tinubu emphasized that sustainable prosperity depends on strong collaboration between:
- Federal and state governments
- Public and private sectors
- Policymakers and implementers
He commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for leading the NEC effectively and praised governors, ministers, and development partners for their contributions.
“I leave this conference reassured that we are aligned in purpose and united in responsibility,” Tinubu stated.
Key Resolutions from the NEC Conference
The conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” produced several major policy recommendations.
According to the official communiqué read by Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, key resolutions include:
Tackling Oil Theft
The NEC committee’s mandate against crude oil theft will be sustained and expanded.
Tax Reform Acceleration
- 12 states have passed the harmonised tax law.
- 13 states with pending bills were urged to fast-track passage.
- 11 states yet to begin the process were encouraged to act swiftly.
The harmonised tax framework aims to reduce multiple taxation and improve revenue efficiency nationwide.
Increased Investment in Education and Health
The conference acknowledged Nigeria’s persistent underinvestment in social sectors and called for higher per capita spending on:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Nutrition
- Youth employment
Non-Kinetic Security Strategies
Beyond military operations, the government plans to address insecurity through poverty reduction, job creation, and coordinated security frameworks.
Economic Diversification
Delegates emphasized expanding concessional financing, strengthening domestic production, securing production corridors, and diversifying from oil dependency.
Fiscal Federalism Reform
The conference recommended expediting constitutional amendments to improve fiscal federalism and ensure smoother implementation of the new tax regime.
Governors React to Tinubu’s Economic Direction
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the retreat as impactful, urging state leaders to implement resolutions so Nigerians can feel the benefits directly.
“It’s only when we implement these decisions that Nigerians will truly benefit,” he said.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted improvements in macroeconomic stability, particularly in the foreign exchange market, saying investor confidence is gradually strengthening.
“There’s stability in the forex market and growing confidence in holding the naira,” Abiodun stated.
He also praised major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, describing them as critical economic enablers.
What This Means for Nigerians
The NEC conference brought together over 350 delegates, including governors, ministers, National Assembly members, security chiefs, and private sector representatives.
With the Renewed Hope National Development Plan (2026–2030) now taking shape, the focus shifts from policy discussions to execution.
For millions of Nigerians facing economic pressures, the key question remains:
Will these reforms translate into real, everyday improvements?
The Tinubu administration insists the answer will soon be visible.
More updates to follow.
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