Tinubu Urges NEC to Drive Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged members of the National Economic Council (NEC) to prioritise inclusive growth and sustainable development, stressing that no part of Nigeria should be left behind in the country’s development journey.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the second National Economic Council Conference, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. He described the Renewed Hope National Development Plan (2026–2030) as evidence-based, realistic, and firmly anchored on balanced and environmentally sustainable growth.

According to Tinubu, the plan places strong emphasis on economic diversification, productivity, human capital development, national competitiveness based on comparative advantage, private-sector-led growth, and climate resilience.

He noted that the conference theme, “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” reflects Nigeria’s collective aspiration to move from recovery to transformation and from dialogue to decisive action.

The President said the conference has strengthened collaboration, shared accountability, and a focus on practical solutions with measurable outcomes. He called for a shift from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and local governments, and innovative financing models.

“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When states grow, Nigeria grows. When growth reaches the poorest households, national stability is strengthened,” Tinubu said.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s persistent structural challenges, such as infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate risks, and limited fiscal space, the President expressed confidence in the resilience and creativity of Nigerians to overcome them.

He added that since the inception of his administration, bold economic reforms have been introduced to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, describing the reforms as tools for delivering prosperity, dignity, and opportunity to all Nigerians.

Tinubu also highlighted the expansion of social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youths, women, and small businesses, noting that the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project underscores the administration’s commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach.

He said these achievements reflect strong collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments, as well as the positive impact of ongoing monetary policy reforms, which are gaining international recognition.

In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the NEC as a critical platform that gives the federating units a voice, adding that it remains the most effective vehicle for delivering inclusive growth. He said progress should no longer be measured by GDP figures alone but by how growth improves lives, uplifts communities, and strengthens national unity.

Shettima emphasised that Nigeria’s future will be shaped not only in Abuja but also across states, local communities, and through strategic policy choices, calling for renewed collaboration, pragmatism, and shared responsibility.

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said the President’s decisions have strengthened Nigeria’s federal structure, stressing that true federalism requires recognising and developing the potential of the weakest units at the grassroots level.