During the recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the nomination of Governors Hope Uzodinma and five others to the board of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has garnered widespread praise, with many commending President Tinubu for his strategic appointments.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the NEC meeting, highlighted President Tinubu’s exemplary leadership qualities, referring to him as “Jagaban,” a title conferred by the Emir of Borgu. Shettima emphasized the President’s unique political virtues, which have unified the country’s leadership in their mission to serve Nigeria.
“President Tinubu’s transparency and effective financial management have improved Nigeria’s credit outlook, as noted by Fitch Ratings,” Shettima remarked. “His vision and leadership are unmatched, making him the nucleus of our aspirations.”
The NEC officially ratified the nominations of six governors from Borno, Katsina, Imo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom states to the NDPHC board. This decision was communicated by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the VP on Media and Communications. The council underscored the NDPHC’s critical role in the country’s economic development.
Key updates and recommendations from various adhoc committees were presented during the 142nd NEC meeting. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, representing the Ad Hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification, called for the revitalization of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and improved inter-governmental coordination.
The council resolved that top officials, including the Vice President and ministers from various departments, would meet on Monday to strategize on funding sources to address climate challenges. The outcome will be presented to President Tinubu the following day.
The NEC also adopted recommendations for funding states and relevant MDAs to tackle these issues. The Ad-Hoc Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, was tasked with aligning its mandate with the National Economic Management Team to devise robust economic solutions.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, chairing the Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, presented interim measures to enhance security and regulatory oversight in the oil and gas sector. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was added to the committee as an expert.
The council received an update on state police establishment discussions, urging expedited submissions from states. In a move to enhance food security, Vice President Shettima announced the operationalization of the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit.
Financial updates were provided by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, revealing the Excess Crude Account at $473,754.57, the Stabilization Account at ₦28,738,722,369.83, and the Natural Resources Fund at ₦53,891,102,650.71. Shettima attributed the positive economic outlook to President Tinubu’s financial prudence and transparency.
Subcommittees are scheduled to meet on Monday to strategize on climate funding sources, amid ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s economic challenges and potential solutions.
