20th June, 2019
President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged state governors to pay more attention to the areas of security, health, education and agriculture so as to address the menace of poverty in the society.
The president gave the advice when he inaugurated the 2019 to 2023 National Economic Council (NEC) and its maiden meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
NEC, which is established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), as amended, is chaired by the Vice-President.
Membership of the Council includes governors of the 36 states; the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Agriculture, FCT and the Minister of State, Petroleum.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning serves as Secretary to the Council.
“I want you to pay special attention to the four major issues of security, education, health and agriculture in the coming years of this tenure.
“As you are, no doubt aware, our successes in these four areas will go a long way in lifting our people out of poverty and secure our future for sustainable growth and development”, the President counseled.
He also advised the States to find ways to increase internally generated revenues, improve VAT collection and increase agricultural output without disrupting business activities.