President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the potential of Nigeria must be harnessed for development in all parts of the country.
The President made the remark on Thursday while inaugurating the administration’s National Economic Council (NEC).
The event which took place at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, had in attendance the Governors of the 36 States of Nigeria.
According to President Tinubu, “We must harness the growth potentials of Nigeria and bring about serious development in order to move us from a potential nation to a pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner.”
President Tinubu reminded the National Economic Council of its role, as he acknowledged with delight the support his administration is already receiving from Nigerians.
“There are expectations from NEC as a veritable source of articulating policies and programmes that are people-oriented. I cannot overemphasize that. It is also reassuring to note that the populace, members of this country are behind us. They want reforms and they want it to have a meaningful impact on their lives,” he added.
Collaboration
While tasking the State Governors on rapid development in their States, the President urged them to collaborate with the 3rd tier of government in doing so.
“We have enormous challenges facing us. It is you and I. We have all the 36 Governors as stakeholders and you have the flexibility of using the Local Governments to rapidly develop the infrastructure within the Local Government Areas. Collaboration is not a crime, please let us do so,” he said.
Focus Areas
President Tinubu used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s areas of focus, which include security, economy, job creation, agriculture and infrastructure.
He said his administration will be impartial and govern according to the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
The President vowed to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality as well as promote economic growth and development.
“We will prominently feature women and youths in all our activities and take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies,” he pledged.
The National Economic Council is a statutory body established by a provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a mandate to advise the President on the economic affairs of the nation. 
NEC also plays the role of ensuring that appropriate measures are put in place for the coordination of the economic plans and programmes of the government including its Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Council meets monthly under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, with the Governors of all States of the Federations, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance and other stakeholders as members.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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