Shettima to Chair NEC Conference as FG Pushes Inclusive Growth Agenda

The Federal Government will on Monday convene a two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Conference aimed at strengthening economic coordination and accelerating inclusive growth across Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima set to preside over the summit.

The conference, scheduled for February 9 and 10, 2026, will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and is expected to draw governors of the 36 states, key federal officials, development partners and private-sector leaders.

Convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the conference will focus on aligning federal and state economic priorities in line with the administration’s long-term development strategy.

Themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” the meeting is expected to set broad policy direction for states as they synchronise their programmes with the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Secretary of the NEC, Dr. Deborah Oko Odo, discussions at the conference will centre on critical macroeconomic issues confronting the country.

“The conference will focus on national economic issues aimed at encouraging economic growth and development across the country,” Odo said, adding that outcomes from the meeting would help deepen cooperation among the three tiers of government.

Vice President Shettima, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Economic Council, will lead deliberations over the two days, with sessions expected to examine fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and shared development strategies between the federal and state governments.

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The summit is also expected to provide a platform for states to exchange ideas on best practices in economic management, explore new financing models, and identify opportunities for boosting productivity, job creation and sustainable development at the sub-national level.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend the conference as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the administration’s commitment to driving economic reforms and fostering collaboration across the federation.

Other participants are expected to include senior government officials, representatives of international development agencies, and leaders from the private sector, as the Federal Government seeks broader buy-in for its economic policies.

The NEC Conference comes amid ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to stabilise the economy, expand investment, and ensure that growth translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods across all states, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.