VP SHETTIMA TO CHAIR NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL CONFERENCE TO DRIVE INCLUSIVE GROWTH

The Federal Government is set to convene the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference on Monday to strengthen economic coordination and accelerate inclusive growth across the 36 states of the federation.

The two-day conference, scheduled for February 9 and 10, 2026, will take place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and will be attended by governors of the 36 states, senior government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders.

The conference is being convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, as part of efforts to align state-level economic strategies with the Federal Government’s long-term development objectives.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council, will preside over the summit, which will focus on strengthening fiscal coordination, mobilising investments, and fostering shared development strategies between the federal and state governments.

The theme of the conference is “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.” Deliberations are expected to generate far-reaching policy directions to guide states in implementing economic reforms under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on the objectives of the conference, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Secretary of the NEC, Dr. Deborah Oko Odo, said the gathering would address key macroeconomic priorities confronting the nation.

According to her, “the conference will focus on national economic issues aimed at encouraging economic growth and development across the country.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend the event as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the importance the administration attaches to deepening economic reforms and promoting sustainable development nationwide.

The NEC Conference is expected to serve as a critical platform for policy coordination and consensus-building as the Federal Government continues to drive economic transformation and inclusive growth under the Renewed Hope National Development Plan.