Tinubu Unveils 2026–2030 National Development Plan, Tasks States on Grassroots-Led Growth

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday formally inaugurated the second edition of the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference, marking a transition from economic recovery efforts to a new five-year phase of national transformation under the Renewed Hope National Development Plan (2026–2030).
Speaking to state governors and key stakeholders at the State House, President Tinubu described the moment as a defining point in Nigeria’s development journey.

He noted that while the early years of his administration were devoted to addressing inherited structural challenges and infrastructure gaps, the next phase would prioritize inclusive, bottom-up economic growth.
From Recovery to Transformation
Central to the conference was the launch of the 2026–2030 National Development Plan, which the President described as an evidence-based framework aimed at ensuring that economic growth reaches the most vulnerable households across the country.
“We are transitioning from narrow growth to growth that is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” President Tinubu said. “The effectiveness of this plan will largely depend on implementation at the state and local government levels.”
The President outlined five core priorities of the Development Plan:
Economic diversification and enhanced productivity.
Human capital development through health, education, and skills acquisition.
Improved subnational competitiveness anchored on states’ comparative advantages.
Private sector–driven economic growth.
Climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Gains of Fiscal Federalism
Reviewing his administration’s achievements, President Tinubu highlighted the strengthened fiscal capacity of subnational governments. He stated that states and local governments now receive increased and more predictable allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), improving their ability to pay salaries and deliver essential social services.
He further cited the Renewed Hope Ward Development Project as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to grassroots inclusion, emphasizing a shift from top-down governance to community-driven development.
Call to Action for Governors
The President stressed that policy declarations must translate into tangible outcomes, urging the NEC, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, to serve as a hub for data-driven policymaking and peer learning among the 36 states.
“Nigeria’s diversity is our strength. When every state grows, Nigeria grows,” Tinubu said. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is a national compact—a promise that the sacrifices of Nigerians will culminate in a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation.”
He thereafter declared the conference open, expressing optimism that its resolutions would hasten Nigeria’s progress toward sustainable development.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council, underscored that the strength of Nigeria’s union lies in the quality of ideas guiding its development. He commended governors, public officials, and stakeholders for fostering robust debate and collective responsibility, describing the NEC as the country’s most influential platform for shaping its economic future.
According to Shettima, the NEC remains the conscience of the federation, providing a space where difficult decisions are confronted and shared solutions crafted for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Speaking on the conference theme, Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development, the Vice President stressed that economic growth must transcend statistics and translate into improved living standards. He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to economic stabilization and reform, noting that true progress is measured by opportunity, dignity, and hope for citizens nationwide.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, commended the President for empowering the NEC over the past two years, noting that collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments, alongside the private sector, is essential to achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
Representing development partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuwa, welcomed the Federal Government’s trillion-dollar economy target. She proposed annual high-level engagements between the Nigerian Development Partners Group and the NEC to strengthen cooperation.
The conference is themed Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.