President Tinubu Demands Results As NEC Conference Pushes For Inclusive Growth And Stronger Economy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that economic reforms under his administration must begin to deliver clear, measurable benefits to Nigerians, charging federal and state governments to move “beyond dialogue to delivery” following the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja.
Speaking at the close of the two-day high-level conference held at the State House Conference Centre, the President — represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio — reaffirmed his commitment to building a resilient economy and an inclusive society anchored on sustainable national development.
Tinubu stressed that reform is not a one-off event but a continuous process requiring courage, consistency and disciplined execution.
“The decisions we make here must translate into visible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians — in jobs created, businesses supported, roads constructed, schools strengthened, healthcare improved, and opportunities expanded,” he said.
The conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” produced wide-ranging resolutions targeting fiscal reform, tax harmonisation, human capital development, security strategy, and federal-state coordination.
Key Resolutions And Policy Directions
Reading the communiqué, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah Odoh, said participants resolved to sustain and expand the mandate of the NEC committee tackling crude oil theft, a major drain on national revenue.
On taxation, the conference commended 12 states that have passed the harmonised tax law aimed at curbing multiple taxation. Thirteen states with pending bills were urged to fast-track legislative approval, while the remaining states were called upon to immediately commence the process.
The communiqué emphasised the urgent need to address Nigeria’s persistent underinvestment in education and healthcare, urging states to increase per capita spending in health, education, youth employment and nutrition to strengthen human capital outcomes.
On security, the conference recommended complementing military operations with non-kinetic strategies focused on poverty reduction, job creation and social inclusion as long-term solutions to insecurity.
Delegates also called for:
- Expanded concessional financing for productive sectors
- Secured production corridors nationwide
- Stronger federal-state collaboration on domestic manufacturing
- Optimal investment in oil and gas alongside diversification into non-oil sectors
- Expedited constitutional amendments to strengthen fiscal federalism and improve tax regime implementation
Governors Back Reform Push
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the retreat as impactful, urging colleagues to implement resolutions to ensure Nigerians benefit from the outcomes.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun highlighted macroeconomic reforms, noting improved forex stability and renewed investor confidence. He also praised ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Road as major economic enablers.
President Tinubu reiterated that the Renewed Hope agenda represents a national commitment rather than a slogan, insisting that tangible delivery at subnational levels remains critical to long-term prosperity.
The conference, convened by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu, attracted over 350 delegates, including governors, ministers, lawmakers, security chiefs, development partners and private sector stakeholders.
Tinubu concluded: “Together, we will build a more resilient economy, a more inclusive society and a stronger Federation.”