The vice president of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday presided over the 149th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the State House in Abuja, with notable attendees including Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

This marks Ibas’ first NEC appearance since President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and appointed him to oversee the state’s affairs. Oborevwori’s presence is also significant, coming just a day after he and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside all PDP members in Delta.

The meeting, which began around noon, focused on ongoing economic challenges and national security issues but notably excluded the issue of state police, despite earlier submissions from all 36 states on the matter.

Governors and their deputies gathered amid escalating violence in parts of the country. In Plateau State alone, over 120 people have been reportedly killed in recent weeks, with thousands displaced due to renewed attacks in Bokkos and Bassa. Benue State has also recorded at least 56 fatalities following attacks in Logo and Gbagir.

NEC, which serves as the top economic advisory body to the President, comprises all state governors and key officials from relevant federal agencies. The council’s deliberations come at a critical time as the country grapples with deepening insecurity and economic uncertainty.