Tinubu Launches New Development Push at NEC Conference

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday declared open the Second Edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, calling for deeper collaboration among federal, state and local governments to drive inclusive growth and deliver sustainable national development under the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030.

Speaking at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu described the conference as coming at a “critical moment” in Nigeria’s development journey, noting that the country stands at a defining crossroads amid persistent economic and social challenges. He commended the NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining the platform as a key instrument for strategic dialogue, policy coordination and collective action across all tiers of government.

The President said the theme of the conference, “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” reflects the administration’s resolve to move from economic recovery to transformation, and from narrow growth to growth that is inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable.

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Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with inherited structural constraints, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities and limited fiscal space. However, he stressed that the resilience and creativity of Nigerians remain a strong foundation for overcoming these challenges.

Since assuming office, the President said his administration has implemented bold reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and laying the groundwork for long-term growth. He noted that these reforms were designed not as ends in themselves, but as tools to deliver prosperity, dignity and opportunity to citizens.

Highlighting achievements so far, Tinubu said states and local governments are now benefiting from increased and more predictable allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure and deliver essential social services. He added that the government has also strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, enhanced public financial management and stronger fiscal coordination.

The President listed infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing and irrigation as a key priority of his administration, describing it as a catalyst for inclusive growth. He also noted the expansion of social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youths, women and small businesses.

According to Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project underscores the administration’s commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to development, reflecting close collaboration among the federal and state governments, development partners and the private sector.

He explained that the Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 represents the next phase of Nigeria’s national journey, anchored on economic diversification, productivity, human capital development, subnational competitiveness, private sector–led growth and climate resilience. He stressed that effective implementation at the state and local government levels would be crucial to the plan’s success, positioning NEC as central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities.

Tinubu urged participants to move from declarations to concrete implementation, guided by data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states and innovative financing models. He emphasised that Nigeria’s diversity remains a source of strength, noting that national growth is reinforced when development reaches the poorest households and is sustained for future generations.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the conference, the President said its resolutions would accelerate inclusive growth and sustainable development, before formally declaring the conference open.