The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged state governments to key into the programmes of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to address the challenges militating against food security and their underlying causes.
The NEC took the decision on Thursday during its 147th meeting chaired by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In a presentation to council, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture (Office of the Vice President), Marion Moon, and coordinator of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), highlighted the strategy proposed by the unit to collaborate with sub-nationals in addressing food insecurity and unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potentials across the country.
She said the PFSCU priorities, especially in agri-business, would enhance delivery mechanisms and expedite action in the attainments of targets enshrined in the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the various aspirations by the respective state governments.
In its resolution, NEC “commended the presentation by the coordinator of the unit and urged state governments to key into the initiative.
The council also requested the unit to prepare key achievements of its unit at the its next meeting.
The council also approved the request by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to seek a National Assembly amendment to its subsisting Act and to provide an alternative funding source for the Commission.
The council’s approval followed an earlier presentation by RMAFC seeking Council’s approval of RMAFC’s proposed Bill to the National Assembly to amend its subsisting Act, and approval of 0.05% of non-oil federation revenue as an alternative funding source for the Commission.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the economic seeds sown by the federal government by way of reforms and interventions in 2024 are already beginning to bear fruits.
He urged members of the council to brace up for the new year, taking into cognizance the extent to which the programmes, projects and policies executed this year have influenced the course of the nation’s economy.
“Difficult decisions have been taken to redirect the course of our national economy, and the results are beginning to show. The recent report of a 3.46% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 is a reassuring sign of the harvests ahead. This growth reflects not just numbers, but the collective efforts and sacrifices made by all stakeholders in this room.
“Our agenda today includes a presentation on the current state of the economy by the World Bank. This is a timely discussion as we approach what promises to be our season of harvest. The economic seeds we have sown throughout this year, through reforms and interventions, are beginning to bear fruit,” he said.
He said the NEC meeting has been an avenue that provides diverse viewpoints, including dissenting and contrarian voices, noting that it attest to the democratic disposition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is a testament to the strength of the democratic traditions upon which this Council is built, traditions upheld and championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. A democrat in every sense, he has stood with you, recognised your voices, and ensured that this council remains a centre of collaborative governance.
“As members of the executive branch, we understand that our role is but one part of a larger democratic framework. This system of governance is defined by checks and balances; it ensures that every decision reflects not just the will of a few, but the interests of the many. Yet, I assure you that no recommendation, suggestion, or proposal put forward in this chamber has been taken for granted,” he said.
The Vice President also described the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which focuses on Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, as a significant opportunity for Nigeria.
“This initiative promises to strengthen our basic education and primary healthcare systems, ensuring that we expand our human capital indices in ways that create lasting impacts.
“Through targeted strategies, we can address long-standing inequalities and position our workforce to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy,” he said.
