NEC urges states to adopt non-kinetic measures to fight insecurity and poverty

The National Economic Council (NEC) has adopted non-kinetic approaches to addressing insecurity in the country, identifying unemployment and poverty as key drivers of violence and instability.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the second edition of the National Economic Council Conference held on Tuesday at the State House Conference Hall, Abuja.

According to the council, states were urged to align with the national security framework and prioritise economic and social interventions aimed at reducing joblessness and poverty as part of a broader strategy to curb insecurity.

NEC also called on all tiers of government to strengthen cooperative federalism and ensure that macroeconomic reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly at the grassroots.

The council urged federal and state governments to shift from haphazard growth financing to targeted investments that can catalyse economic growth, especially in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, transport and logistics, and digital infrastructure.

As part of efforts to enhance energy security and reduce import dependence, NEC recommended increased investment in domestic refining and diversification into non-oil sectors to strengthen value chains and create jobs.

The conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” brought together governors, key government officials, development partners and private sector stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s economic challenges and policy options for sustainable growth.

NEC further urged states to enact the harmonised tax law to address multiple taxation, commending the 12 states that have already passed the legislation and encouraging others to accelerate the process.