ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR,AT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL (NEC) CONFERENCE, STATE HOUSE, ABUJA, 9 FEBRUARY 2026

• Distinguished Vice President and Chairman of the National Economic Council,
• Your Excellencies, State Governors and Deputy Governors,
• Honourable Ministers,
• Members of the National Assembly,
• Development Partners, Private Sector Leaders,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to address this Second Edition of the National Economic Council Conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s development journey.

I commend the National Economic Council, under the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, for sustaining this vital platform for strategic dialogue, policy coordination, and collective action across national and subnational governments. NEC remains a cornerstone of fiscal federalism and economic governance in our country.

The theme of this Conference — “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030” — speaks directly to our national aspirations. It reflects our resolve to move from recovery to transformation, and from narrow growth to one that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Nigeria stands at a defining crossroads. We face inherited structural challenges, including macroeconomic imbalances, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, poverty, climate vulnerabilities, and limited fiscal space. Yet, our people possess the resilience, creativity, and determination to overcome these realities.

Since the inception of this administration, we have undertaken bold and necessary reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, and lay the foundation for long-term growth. These reforms are instruments for delivering prosperity, dignity, and opportunity to all Nigerians.

We have recorded notable achievements that reflect our commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive development. First, states and local governments now receive increased and more predictable FAAC allocations, improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services.

Second, we have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, stronger public financial management, and enhanced fiscal coordination.

Third, we have prioritised infrastructure development across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as a catalyst for inclusive growth.

Fourth, we have expanded social investment and human capital programmes targeting vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses.

The Renewed Hope Ward Development Project further demonstrates our commitment to grassroots inclusion through a bottom-up approach to national development. These successes reflect strong collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, and the private sector.

The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030 marks the next phase of our national journey. It is evidence-based, realistic, and anchored on inclusive, balanced, and environmentally sustainable growth.

The Plan prioritises economic diversification and productivity; human capital development; subnational competitiveness based on comparative advantage; private sector–led growth; and climate resilience. Its success will depend largely on effective implementation at the state and local government levels, making NEC central to aligning national priorities with subnational realities.

This Conference has reinforced collaboration, shared accountability, and a focus on practical solutions and measurable outcomes. We must move decisively from declarations to implementation through data-driven decision-making, peer learning among states, and innovative financing models.

Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows. When growth reaches the poorest households, national stability is strengthened. When development is sustainable, our children inherit hope.

The task before us is demanding, but the opportunity is historic. The Renewed Hope Agenda is a national compact — a promise that the sacrifices of Nigerians will lead to a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.

I am confident that the resolutions of this Conference will accelerate inclusive growth and sustainable national development.

On this note, I hereby declare open the Second Edition of the National Economic Council Conference.

Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,

Federal Republic of Nigeria