To reposition the economy and address root causes of insecurity, the National Economic Council (NEC) has approved far-reaching initiatives projected to unlock up to $90 billion in value by 2035.
At its 149th meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, NEC endorsed the establishment of a Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board with a comprehensive agribusiness and livestock development plan.
The Council, which includes Governors, the Central Bank Governor, the Minister of Finance, and other top government officials, observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of recent attacks in Benue and Plateau States, reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide.
Shettima described NEC as “architects of a sustainable future” and not merely responders to crises.
He urged Council members to rise above rhetoric and focus on delivering real outcomes.
In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “The nation is watching. Our citizens are not waiting for another speech. They are waiting for results”.
The newly approved Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board is aimed at reviving an industry that once formed the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
With representation from all six geopolitical zones, key federal ministries, and a strong private sector presence, the Board will be domiciled in the Presidency and funded through the Textile Import Levy collected by the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Our goal is not just regulation. It is a revival. This is our opportunity to re-industrialise, to empower communities, and to restore pride in local production,” Shettima declared.
He noted while cotton can grow in 34 States, Nigeria produces only 13,000 metric tons, forcing the country to rely heavily on textile imports.
The new Board is expected to reverse this trend and reposition Nigeria as a textile manufacturing hub.
The Council also approved the establishment of the Green Imperative Project (GIP) national office in Abuja and six regional offices to support agricultural mechanisation and food production across the country.
This is to be complemented by the formal launch of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism.
The Vice President emphasised the need to build “a national food economy that is inclusive, efficient and sustainable,” stressing that such efforts will address both food security and economic empowerment.
Another major highlight of the meeting was the endorsement of the Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, presented by the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Built upon the 2018–2028 National Livestock Transformation Plan, the refined strategy sets out to transform the livestock sector into a job-creating, revenue-generating and export-driven industry.
The strategy, developed in collaboration with sub-national governments and the private sector, will focus on five key areas between 2025 and 2026: Animal Health and Zoonoses Control, Feed and Fodder Development, Water Resource Management, Statistics and Information Systems, and Breed Improvement.
The Council also endorsed a proposed transfer of N100 billion in previously approved resources to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and encouraged states to establish their own ministries to drive livestock reforms locally.
The goal, officials said, is to transform Nigeria into a major red meat exporter to markets in the Middle East and Asia.
In another significant development, the Minister of Education presented a strategy to equip five million young Nigerians with income-generating and entrepreneurial skills by 2030 through the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) initiative.
The programme aims to standardise and accredit training across the country, backed by a robust governance structure and sustainable funding.
Council members lauded the initiative and urged state governments to fully engage with the programme, regardless of political affiliation.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
