Page 36 The Special Committee of the National Economic Council, NEC, on Covid-19, held its second meeting on Wednesday, as it continues its task of coordinating the Federal and State Governments’ responses to the impact of Covid-19 on Nigerians
The NEC Committee is working towards developing additional measures to alleviate the challenges being faced by Nigerians, because of the implications of the global pandemic in the country.
Present alongside Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the meeting which held via a video conference anchored from the Presidential Villa, were Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa; Mohammed Abubakar, Jigawa; Godwin Obaseki, Edo; David Umahi, Ebonyi; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; and Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi.
According to Laolu Akande, the Vice President’s Spokesman, the meeting was also attended by the Finance Minister, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze, among several other top Officials.
The NEC Committee received the report of its Technical Working Group, which proposed an array of policy options and recommendations on how Federal, State, and Local Governments, can bring relief to the people, and take other adequate measures in containing and responding to the adverse economic effects of the pandemic.
Speaking at the meeting, the Vice President emphasised the importance of the assignment and the urgency required, asking that public enlightenment and sensitisation on the seriousness of the pandemic, should be further intensified at all government levels, so that more and more Nigerians would become aware of the compelling and critical dimensions of the situation.
He assured the Governors that the Federal Government is already packaging further resources for a comprehensive economic response, to alleviate the challenges of the pandemic, support the States, and provide succour to Nigerians in a timely and effective manner. He disclosed that the newly created Economic Sustainability Committee, ESC, constituted by the President, will also be meeting this week, to start its work and respond to the situation appropriately.
