The National Economic Council, NEC, will finally hold its two-day retreat next week, beginning Monday, March 21 to 22, after been shelved twice.
President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to deliver the keynote address during the formal opening session on Monday morning.
NEC which is an advisory body to the President, consist of governors from the 36 states, governor of the central bank and other top government functionaries, is chaired by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
The objective of the Retreat, according to an advisory by the Vice President’s spokesperson, Laolu Akande, “is to provide a forum for in-depth discussions by NEC members of the policy actions that the States and the Federal Government can consider in order to stimulate local production, cut costs and enhance public revenues among other measures to stimulate the economy”.
It was also gathered that Issues relating to the proper constitution of an Economic Management Team for the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, proper grazing routes and ranches to end the crisis between farmers and herdsmen across the country are possible topics to be discussed at the next Council meeting.
Businessday had earlier reported that at the Council’s meeting in January, governors had raised the issue of the economic direction of the country as it continued to operate without an EMT.
This had prompted a maiden meeting with ministers whose ministries work directly with the economy.
Elizabeth Archibong
