President Bola Tinubu says the National Economic Council (NEC) remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in the country.

The president said this on Monday at the second edition of the NEC conference themed ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed National Development Plan 2026–2030,’ held at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.

Mr Tinubu said the theme of the conference speaks directly to the national aspiration and reflects a resolve to move from recovery to transformation and from narrow growth to an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable one.

He stated that Nigeria stood at a defining crossroads, saying, “We faced inherent structural challenges, including microeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities, and limited physical space.

”Yet our people possess the resilience, creativity, and determination to overcome these realities. Since the inception of this administration, we have undertaken bold and necessary reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and lay the foundation for long-term growth.

”These reforms are instruments for delivering prosperity, dignity, and opportunity to all Nigerians.”

The president said the monetary policy embarked upon by his administration had yielded positive results and is being recognised around the world.

Mr Tinubu added that his administration had recorded notable achievements that reflect its commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive development.

“States and local governments now receive increased and more predictable federal allocations, improving their capacities to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services,” the president said.

He explained that his government had strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, stronger public financial management, and enhanced fiscal coordination.

Mr Tinubu said his administration also prioritised infrastructure development and expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable citizens and women.

He said that the renewed national development plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector–led growth; and climate resilience.

”Its success will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities,” he said.

The president said that the conference had reinforced collaboration, shared accountability, and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes.

”The task before us is demanding, but the opportunity is historic. The Renewed Hope Agenda is a national compact—a promise that the sacrifices of Nigerians will lead to a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the chairman of NEC, added that the council was the mirror that reflected national realities and the catalyst that propelled action.

He said, ”We are gathered here because we understand, perhaps more than anyone else, the consequences of failure, not in theory, but in the lived experience across our states and communities.

” This conference, therefore, is a continuation of our covenant with the Nigerian people, a moment to take stock of the task ahead.

“And a demonstration of the harmonious relationship Tinubu has shared with this council through these memorable years of inevitable and transformative reforms, I am researching the foundations of our economy.”

Mr Shettima said Mr Tinubu had honoured his promise to insulate the Nigerian economy in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and rising economic protectionism.

”The inclusive growth on our radar is not an exercise in sloganeering; we have confronted the macroeconomic obstacles before us.

“What remains is to ensure that progress filters down to the everyday lives of our people. This is precisely why the National Economic Council remains the most suitable vehicle for delivering the promise of inclusive growth.

“Our mission is incomplete if a child born in Lafia does not have the same chance of thriving as one born in Lagos, if the farmer in Makurdi, the entrepreneur in Aba, and the student in Sokoto cannot all find dignity, opportunity, and hope within the Nigerian dream.”

The chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, said intergovernmental coordination was a decisive variable for inclusive growth.

Represented by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Abdulrazaq added that federal policy required state-level execution and states’ initiatives require national coherence.

(NAN)