Sustain ongoing reforms to improve conditions of Nigerians, Shettima urges NEC

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the National Economic Council (NEC) to sustain ongoing reforms until improvements in the economy translate into jobs and better living conditions for Nigerians.

Shettima, who is the Chairman of the NEC made the call on Thursday during the 158th meeting of the council, held at the presidential villa, Abuja.

He said the government must remain focused on implementing policies beyond their announcement, stressing that continuity and measurable outcomes were critical to earning public confidence.

“There is no doubt that a serious government is measured by the matters it refuses to abandon. While attention may reveal a problem, continuity determines whether the problem yields to policy,” he said.

Shetima noted that revenue, debt, production, investment and the cost of living ultimately converge at the household level, making it imperative for macroeconomic improvements to reach ordinary Nigerians.

“Macroeconomic progress must therefore continue its passage into jobs, purchasing power, business confidence and stronger subnational economies.”

According to Shettima, numbers become politically meaningful when citizens recognise themselves in their improvement.

The vice president also urged the council to maintain follow-through on existing programmes and commitments, warning that new priorities should not displace unfinished government responsibilities.

“Continuity is a form of accountability: yesterday’s promise still deserves a place on today’s table, and no new priority absolves us of an old responsibility,” Senator Shettima said.

He added that President Bola Tinubu had placed on NEC the responsibility of making cooperation across the federation productive and converting policies into outcomes Nigerians could see and feel.

“A government that remembers earns the confidence of its people because its promises do not expire when the microphones are switched off,” he said.