By Musa Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the dividends of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda reforms will reach every community in the country. Speaking at the closing session of the second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, the President emphasised the importance of translating policy decisions into tangible benefits for citizens.
Addressing governors, ministers, and key stakeholders, President Tinubu called for renewed commitment to delivering the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The conference, held at the State House Conference Hall, focused on ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.’
The President, represented by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighted that reforms are a continuous process requiring courage, patience, and consistency. He urged stakeholders to ensure that decisions result in visible improvements in daily life, including job creation, infrastructure development, strengthened healthcare and education, and expanded economic opportunities.
“Our administration remains resolute. We will continue to support sub-national governments, deepen institutional reforms, and ensure that the dividends of our policies are felt across every state and every community in this country,” President Tinubu stated. He described the agenda not as a slogan but a national commitment that demands moving from dialogue to delivery.
President Tinubu commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his leadership of the NEC, noting that the conference showcased strong engagement and consensus-building. He also recognized governors, ministers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders for their active contributions and commitment to national progress.
According to the President, the NEC Conference reinforced that sustainable prosperity depends on collaboration between federal and state governments, the public and private sectors, and policy formulation and disciplined execution. He noted that members reaffirmed their dedication to fiscal responsibility, economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, social protection, food security, and human capital development.
The conference featured seven panel sessions and nine lead papers that addressed the economy, interstate collaboration, fiscal governance, human capital development, security, domestic production, and partnership frameworks for economic growth. It provided a platform for aligning state governments with the federal strategic vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
A communique issued at the conclusion of the conference outlined key policy recommendations. NEC urged states to adopt non-kinetic approaches to insecurity while addressing unemployment and poverty. Governments at all levels were encouraged to strengthen cooperative federalism, ensure macroeconomic reforms benefit citizens, and prioritise bankable projects in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
NEC further advised the federal government to invest strategically in the oil and gas sector while diversifying into domestic refining and non-oil industries to enhance energy security, reduce import dependence, strengthen value chains, and create jobs. States were encouraged to enact harmonised tax laws to eliminate multiple taxation, complement ongoing tax reforms, and accelerate the transition to a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The council commended 12 states that have enacted harmonised tax legislation and called on 24 others to complete the process promptly. NEC also stressed the importance of equipping citizens with technology and artificial intelligence skills to remain globally competitive.
President Tinubu concluded that the conference demonstrated the significance of coordinated action, unity of purpose, and disciplined execution in achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. He expressed optimism that the collaborative efforts of all tiers of government would build a more resilient economy, foster social inclusion, and strengthen the federation.
The NEC Conference reinforced Nigeria’s path toward sustainable prosperity through strategic reforms, fiscal discipline, and active participation by all stakeholders, ensuring that policy commitments translate into measurable impact for the nation.
