The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed a series of strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s economy, including the establishment of a central office for the Green Imperative Project (GIP) in Abuja and six regional branches across the country’s geopolitical zones.
The council also gave its approval for the official rollout of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism.
At the 149th NEC meeting held on Thursday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged council members to take bold steps and make impactful decisions.
“The nation is watching. Citizens seek not speeches, but real results. This Council must remain a crucible for ideas that drive national progress,” he said.
Shettima called on members to move beyond political and regional interests and focus on building a functional, inclusive nation. He emphasized that the purpose of their gathering was to address urgent national issues, not routine deliberations.
“Governance is not a stage for promises, but the solemn business of delivery,” he stressed.
He added that while policy frameworks were important, the real focus must remain on tangible execution and measurable outcomes.
“The task is vast but familiar. At our last meeting, we launched bold reforms and renewed our national duty.
“Today, we return with clarity and resolve. We are not mere responders; we are architects of sustainable futures,” Shettima added.
He also highlighted the significance of reviving the Cotton, Textile, and Garment Development Board, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.
Shettima described the move as a necessary step to reinvigorate an industry that once played a vital role in the national economy and employment landscape.
“Nigeria can grow cotton in 34 states, yet we produce just 13,000 metric tonnes. This must change,” he noted, decrying the country’s continued dependence on costly textile imports.
The board, he explained, will be funded through levies on textile imports and will operate across all six geopolitical zones.
“Our goal is not merely regulation, but revival — restoring pride, empowering communities and re-industrialising Nigeria,” Shettima said.
Addressing food security, the Vice President said that new strategies would build upon the existing Nutrition 774 Initiative to promote a resilient and inclusive food economy.
“We aim to establish a food economy that is inclusive, efficient and resilient,” he added.
Shettima stressed the importance of turning NEC’s discussions into concrete results that promote national unity and improve the well-being of Nigerians. He suggested that the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee embark on field visits.
“This step will help bridge the gap between policy intent and real-world performance,” he said
