PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC).

The Council, led by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, was inaugurated at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, June 15.

The President, at the inauguration, promised to sustain the rejuvenation of the nation’s economy.

He tasked the council to work with other government bodies to achieve the goal of propelling Nigeria’s economic growth.

Tinubu said the task of growing the nation’s economy was enormous and urged the NEC members to dutifully carry out their roles. 

The President urged governors to collaborate and use local governments to rapidly develop infrastructure and resolve challenges facing the nation.

He said, “You and I asked for it. We campaigned for it. We even danced for it. So, we have no reason to complain. Members of this country are behind us. They want reforms and they want them quickly. You here are stakeholders…. Collaboration is not a crime. Please, let us do so.”

The economic council was established by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. 

The council, which meets monthly, is responsible for advising the President on the economic affairs of the Federation.

The council also provides advice necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the government. 

Its members comprise the 36 state Governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other co-opted government officials.