Abuja: President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, assured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to ensure the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda reforms are felt across every state and community in the country.
Tinubu, represented by Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, gave this assurance during his closing remarks at the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.
The conference theme: “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.”
The president urged the members of the NEC, comprising state Governors, key government officials, and other relevant stakeholders, to recommit themselves to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu said declaring the conference open was an honour. He called for unity of purpose, fiscal discipline, and coordinated action under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president said reforms are a process, not an event. They need courage, patience, and consistency from all stakeholders.
He stated, “Our decisions here must result in real progress for all Nigerians—through more jobs, stronger businesses, better roads, improved schools and healthcare, and greater opportunities.”
The president emphasised that while the Renewed Hope Agenda was not a slogan but a national commitment, such a commitment demands that “we move beyond dialogue to delivery.
“We will support sub-national governments, strengthen reforms, and ensure the real benefits of our policies reach every community,” he said.
Tinubu reassured Nigerians of his administration’s unity of purpose and responsibility. He said, together, the nation will build a more resilient economy, an inclusive society, and a stronger federation.
He commended the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, for his steady leadership and for guiding deliberations with clarity and focus.
“As we close this NEC Conference, I am encouraged by the serious engagement and strong consensus we have built.
I thank our governors, ministers, partners, and private stakeholders for their honest contributions and commitment to national progress,” he said.
According to the president, the NEC Conference showed that collaboration—between governments, sectors, and policy steps—is key to sustainable prosperity.
He noted that NEC members reaffirmed their commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic diversification, infrastructure, food security, social protection, and human capital development.
The president added that improved coordination and accountability now bring greater socio-economic benefits for Nigerians.
The conference provided a platform for a holistic examination of key economic issues and for a shared understanding of policy options to address the nation’s economic challenges.
It discussed collaboration with the 36 states and the FCT to help stakeholders align with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision.
The conference produced specific policy recommendations for states and local governments to better align with the federal government’s long-term economic goals, including adopting the recommended frameworks and improving collaboration.
Seven panel sessions addressed sub-themes like the economy, interstate collaboration, fiscal governance, human capital development, security, domestic production, and partnership frameworks, resulting in targeted recommendations to advance these sectors.
The NEC issued a communique, delivered by Dr Deborah Odo, urging all stakeholders to take prompt, coordinated action on the conference’s key policy recommendations.
The communique urged states to follow the national security framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda and use non-kinetic methods to tackle unemployment and poverty.
The communique called for all tiers of government to strengthen cooperative federalism, translate macroeconomic reforms into real impact for citizens, and focus on catalysing growth towards a one-trillion-dollar economy through coherent policy actions.
Governments at all levels should prioritise bankable growth projects across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure.
The council advised the federal government to invest optimally in oil and gas, diversify into refining and non-oil sectors, strengthen value chains, and create jobs.
It implored governments at all levels to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda by developing technology and artificial intelligence skills to remain competitive in the global economy and support the goal of a one-trillion-dollar economy.
It urged states to enact a harmonised tax law to address multiple taxation and support tax reforms.
The council urged all remaining states to immediately accelerate the passage of the harmonised tax law to foster national fiscal reform and unity.
