TINUBU UNVEILS 2026-2030 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, TASKS STATES ON GRASSROOTS-LED GROWTH 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday formally inaugurated the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, unveiling Nigeria’s 2026–2030 National Development Plan and calling on state governments to drive inclusive, grassroots-led economic growth.

Speaking to governors and key stakeholders at the State House, Abuja, the President described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s development journey, marking a transition from economic recovery to a new phase of national transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu said while the early years of his administration focused on addressing inherited structural challenges and infrastructure deficits, the next five years would prioritize inclusive, bottom-up growth.

“We are transitioning from narrow growth to growth that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” the President said, noting that the success of the plan would largely depend on effective implementation at the state and local government levels.

Five Core Priorities

The President explained that the 2026–2030 National Development Plan is an evidence-based framework designed to ensure that economic growth reaches the most vulnerable households across the country.

He outlined five core priorities of the plan: economic diversification and enhanced productivity; human capital development through health, education, and skills acquisition; improved subnational competitiveness anchored on states’ comparative advantages; private sector–driven growth; and climate resilience with environmental sustainability.

Gains of Fiscal Federalism

Reviewing the achievements of his administration, Tinubu highlighted improvements in fiscal federalism, stating that states and local governments now receive increased and more predictable allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

According to him, the improved fiscal capacity has enabled subnational governments to pay salaries more regularly and deliver essential social services.

He also cited the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project as evidence of the administration’s commitment to grassroots inclusion, describing it as a shift from top-down governance to community-driven development.

Call to Action

The President urged governors to translate policies into tangible outcomes, tasking the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to serve as a platform for data-driven policymaking, peer learning, and shared solutions among the 36 states.

“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows,” Tinubu said, describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as a national compact aimed at building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.

He thereafter declared the conference open, expressing optimism that its resolutions would accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward sustainable development.

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In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the NEC as the conscience of the federation, noting that the strength of Nigeria’s union lies in the quality of ideas shaping its development.

Shettima emphasized that economic growth must go beyond statistics and translate into improved living standards, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, commended President Tinubu for strengthening the NEC, stressing that collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector, is critical to achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

Representing development partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuwa, welcomed the trillion-dollar economy target and proposed annual high-level engagements between the Nigerian Development Partners Group and the NEC to deepen cooperation.

The conference is themed Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.