President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is currently presiding over his first National Council of State meeting at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
This significant gathering includes the presence of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, along with former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar, who joined the meeting virtually.
The meeting, which commenced on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, also sees the attendance of several key figures in the Nigerian government. Among them are the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The meeting is particularly notable as it occurs just days after the EndBadGovernance protests, which saw a significant number of Nigerians taking to the streets to demand better governance amid economic hardships caused by subsidy removal and rising costs of living.
Governors from across the country, including Saminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, are in attendance, either physically or virtually. Additionally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is participating in person.
Former Chief Justices Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammed, along with other high-ranking officials, such as National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, are also present.
As an advisory body, the National Council of State plays a critical role in assisting the Executive arm of government in policy-making decisions and granting consent on crucial national matters. This meeting, being the first under President Tinubu’s administration, is seen as a pivotal moment in addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic and security challenges.
The outcomes of this meeting are eagerly anticipated, as they will likely shape the direction of the government’s efforts to navigate the current economic climate and address the concerns raised by citizens during the recent protests.
