
Shettima to chair NEC conference on economic growth
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been appointed to chair the National Economic Council (NEC) conference on economic growth, a development that signals renewed focus on Nigeria’s economic strategy and coordination among federal and state governments.
The announcement came from the Federal Ministry of Finance, which stated that the NEC conference will convene to address key issues affecting economic performance, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive growth across the country. As chair of the conference, Shettima will preside over discussions involving governors, policy makers and leaders of economic agencies, fostering consensus on policies aimed at boosting productivity, stabilising revenue streams, and enhancing private sector engagement.
The NEC forum is a statutory body mandated by the Constitution to promote unity and integrate economic planning between the federal and state levels. In previous sessions, the council has tackled challenges including revenue allocation, debt management, infrastructure financing, and agricultural development. Under Shettima’s leadership, officials say the conference will prioritise initiatives that accelerate economic expansion, strengthen domestic production, and address unemployment and inflationary pressures raised by citizens and business leaders.
In his remarks at the inauguration of the conference, Shettima stressed the importance of collaborative action, saying effective economic management requires a “whole-of-government approach” that harnesses the expertise of both public and private stakeholders. He urged participants to focus on actionable policies and measurable outcomes that can significantly improve living standards and attract investment.
Governors attending the conference welcomed the choice of Shettima as chair, citing his understanding of national economic issues and experience in public administration. Many expressed optimism that the NEC session will yield tangible policy frameworks to spur growth and address persistent economic challenges. The exact dates and agenda items for the conference are expected to be publicly released once finalised by the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Vice President.
