On February 9, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally opened the Second National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The two-day summit, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” aimed to strengthen federal-state collaboration and advance Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Key Highlights from Tinubu’s Address:
- Acknowledging Challenges: The President noted structural hurdles, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure gaps, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal space, but praised Nigerians’ resilience and creativity.
- Achievements of Current Administration:
- Subnational Finances: More predictable and increased FAAC allocations supporting state and local government budgets.
- Macroeconomic Stability: Improved revenue performance, fiscal management, and coordination.
- Infrastructure Investments: Focus on transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation.
- Social & Human Capital Programs: Expanded support for vulnerable groups and small businesses, including the grassroots Renewed Hope Ward Development Project.
- Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030:
- Economic diversification and productivity enhancement.
- Human capital development.
- State-level competitiveness leveraging local advantages.
- Private sector-led growth.
- Climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
- Call to Action: Tinubu emphasized the need for effective implementation, data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states, and innovative financing models. He described the plan as a “national compact” to ensure inclusive growth and a stronger, fairer Nigeria.
Concluding with optimism, the President declared the conference open, reinforcing the Renewed Hope Agenda as a collaborative blueprint toward a $1 trillion economy.
