The NEC 90-Day Economic Plan has received approval from the National Economic Council as the Federal Government steps up efforts to ease the cost of living, improve food affordability and attract investment.
The council endorsed the plan on Thursday during its 161st meeting, held virtually and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Ministry of Finance proposed the initiative to build on the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, presented the proposal to the council. The plan aims to speed up projects that can deliver direct benefits to Nigerians.
NEC 90-Day Economic Plan Targets Living Costs
Speaking at the meeting, Shettima said the government must translate economic reforms into better living conditions for citizens.
He urged governors and relevant institutions to prioritise affordable transportation, improved healthcare, job creation and greater financial security.
The vice president stressed that Nigerians should judge economic policies by their impact on everyday life, rather than by government announcements alone.
He also called for stronger institutions that would help citizens plan their futures with greater confidence.
Shettima said discussions on transportation, healthcare, police reform and livestock development were central to determining how Nigerians benefit from economic progress.
He added that cooperation between federal and state governments was necessary to deliver essential services effectively.
Shettima Calls for Affordable Transport
The vice president also highlighted the National Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiative, urging state governments to support transport systems that commuters can afford.
He said the programme’s success should depend on accessibility and lower transport costs, not simply on the number of buses deployed.
Shettima maintained that the cost of travelling to work and other income-generating activities should not consume people’s earnings.
He further urged governors to contribute their knowledge of local conditions to national policymaking.
According to him, clear responsibilities and practical agreements among the different levels of government would improve implementation.
Shettima challenged council members to assess policy proposals based on their ability to reduce uncertainty, create opportunities and strengthen public confidence.
Government Targets Lower Inflation and Interest Rates
Presenting the country’s economic outlook, Oyedele expressed optimism about the progress of the administration’s reform programme and prospects for further recovery.
He identified reducing headline inflation and bringing interest rates down to single digits by 2027 as key policy objectives.
The minister also stressed that the next phase of reforms would require coordinated action by federal and state institutions.
NEC Receives Update on Ebola Preparedness
At the meeting, Health and Social Welfare Minister Professor Muhammad Pate briefed the council on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Pate sought to reassure council members, saying Nigeria had the institutional capacity to contain the situation.
He outlined response measures being developed with relevant stakeholders, including coordination, surveillance at points of entry, laboratory testing and the supply of essential kits and personal protective equipment.
The minister said 21 state governments had updated their preparedness and response plans. He urged the remaining 15 states to establish appropriate arrangements without delay.
The council’s meeting covered both economic priorities and public health preparedness as the government works to address challenges affecting Nigerians.
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