Buhari Sets Up Economic Council, Pledges To Be Transparent
Adetokunbo Fakeye
President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the National Economic Council (NEC), with a pledge to ensure accountability, transparency and integrity in the distribution of funds in the Federation Account.
The council, which is traditionally expected to be chaired by the Vice-President, is made up of the 36 State Governors, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Permanent Secretaries for the key ministries that have something to do with the economy.
While inaugurating the committee on Monday, President Buhari insisted that all revenues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety and the Liquefied Natural Gas, among others should be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue fund.
He reminded the council members of issues and challenges facing the oil-rich nation, from insecurity to unemployment, corruption power shortages and his commitment to be visionary in order to surmount the challenges.
President made reference to remittances to the Federation Account by government agencies and pledged to ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds from the Federation account.
Mr President who at the ocassion pledged to abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also renewed his commitment to the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists, urging front line states to articulate assessment of the destructions in their states for submission to the G7, which had requested for the document.
President Buhari further reiterated his high expectations from the National Economic Council.
Liquidating Unpaid Salaries Addressing the Governors, President Buhari urged them to, as a matter of urgency, explore efficient means of liquidating all unpaid salaries of staff, which have brought untold hardship to thousands of families.
He said there was the need for states to cooperate closely on projects such as interstate and feeder roads, soil erosion, desertification and other developmental programmes.
President Buhari also urged them to separate politics from development programmes.
According to tradition, the council is expected to be chaired by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
