President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over a meeting of the Council of State at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which marks the first convened by President Tinubu, is attended by former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. Former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), are participating virtually, along with the governors of Abia, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom States.
The session commenced at 12:35 pm local time with an opening ceremony featuring the national anthem and pledge. This meeting is the first since February 10, 2023, when the Council last convened under former President Buhari to address issues related to the 2023 elections, the new naira policy, and fuel scarcity.
Today’s discussions are expected to focus on recent nationwide events, including the #EndBadGovernance protests, the economy, food security, and national security. According to sources familiar with the agenda, President Tinubu and former Presidents will address seven key issues.
These include the impact of nationwide protests on national security, the state of the economy, and matters related to food security, availability, and affordability. The discussions will also cover progress in the solid minerals sector, budgeting and planning for sustainable development, road infrastructure, and building a robust industrial base.
Ministers will present on behalf of the President. For instance, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu will address the impact of protests on national security, while the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, will discuss food availability and affordability. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, will present on his sector, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, will talk about budgeting. Additionally, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, will cover road infrastructure, and the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, will discuss industrial development.
Though these ministers are not Council members, they will provide briefings during the meeting.
The National Council of State is a constitutional body that advises the executive branch on policy matters. Its membership includes the President, Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Attorney-General of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and all state governors. The Council’s role is primarily advisory, focusing on national security, appointments, and economic policies. It also addresses significant national issues such as security challenges and appointments to key public offices, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Population Commission, and the Police Service Commission.