Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and global philanthropist and co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, have been invited to attend.
The ongoing NEC has chosen an unusual day (Wednesday) to hold as against the traditionally scheduled for Thursdays.
Also, the ongoing meeting has been convened amid a recent surge in petrol prices and growing queues at fuel stations.
However, the agenda of the meeting, which includes the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other government officials, has not yet been disclosed.
The meeting comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accuses the federal government of breaking a promise not to increase petrol prices.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said organized Labour accepted a minimum wage of ₦70,000 in July based on assurances from the government that there would be no further rise in fuel costs.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that Gates is visiting Nigeria as part of his foundation’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.
A source said Gates is in the meeting to talk to them about issues of nutrition and vaccinations.
The philanthropist said for citizens to trust the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, there must be a commitment to effective management of health programme funds.
The philanthropist said for citizens to trust the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, there must be a commitment to effective management of health programme funds.
Gates during Nutrivision 2024, a Pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition held in Abuja, Tuesday said for citizens to trust the government’s ability to deliver quality healthcare, there must be a commitment to effective management of health programme funds.
Some of the governors attending the meeting include those of Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, and Zamfara, while others have their deputies represent them.
Details shortly…