By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved key economic revival initiatives, including the creation of Green Imperative Project (GIP) national office in Abuja and regional offices in six geopolitical zones.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council also approved the formal launch of the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism.

During the 149th council meeting on Thursday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima urged members to show courage in decision-making.

Shettima called on members to resist grand rhetoric and embrace the demanding work of meaningful reform.

?The nation is watching. Citizens seek not speeches, but real results. This Council must remain a crucible for ideas that drive national progress,? he stated.

He urged members to rise above politics and regionalism to focus on building a nation that works for all.

Shettima reminded members that they were present not for routine, but to tackle pressing realities facing Nigerians.

He also encouraged them to go beyond crisis response and instead help design a sustainable national future.

?Governance is not a stage for promises, but the solemn business of delivery,? Shettima stressed.

He noted that the meeting?s purpose was not to admire policy design, but to ensure effective execution.

?The task is vast but familiar. At our last meeting, we launched bold reforms and renewed our national duty.

?Today, we return with clarity and resolve. We are not mere responders; we are architects of sustainable futures,? he added.

On the Cotton, Textile and Garment Development Board, Shettima said it aligned with President Bola Tinubu?s economic revival efforts.

He described the initiative as a move to revive a sector that once supported the economy and clothed the people.

?Nigeria can grow cotton in 34 states, yet we produce just 13,000 metric tonnes. This must change,? he said.

He noted that the country still imports textiles worth millions of dollars, calling it an urgent call to action.

According to him, the board will be funded by textile import levies and operate in all six geopolitical zones.

?Our goal is not merely regulation, but revival ? restoring pride, empowering communities and re-industrialising Nigeria,? he stated.

On food security, Shettima said efforts would build on the Nutrition 774 Initiative to create a sustainable food economy.

?We aim to establish a food economy that is inclusive, efficient and resilient,? he added.

He stressed that NEC?s discussions must drive real change, strengthen unity, and improve citizens? lives.

To this end, Shettima proposed a field visit by the NEC Implementation Monitoring Committee.

?This step will help bridge the gap between policy intent and real-world performance,? he said. (NAN)

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