Tinubu presides over 10th FEC meeting

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President Bola Tinubu is presently chairing the Federal Executive Council meeting.

The meeting is taking place in the Aso Chamber of the State House in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Head of Service Dr. Folashade Yemi Esan are in attendance.

A minimum of 45 ministers are seated for President Tinubu’s 10th FEC meeting in his administration.

According to Vanguard, the council is set to deliberate on a memorandum seeking approval for the “revamping of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.”

Akume brought to the attention of council members a modification in item #3 on the agenda, which now reads as ‘Approval for the revamping of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.’

It’s worth noting that President Tinubu inaugurated the FEC on August 28, 2023, shifting meetings from Wednesdays to Mondays officially.

Article 144 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognizes the “Executive Council of the Federation” (the Federal Executive Council) as the body of Ministers of the Government of the Federation established by the President, tasked with responsibilities for the functions of government as directed by the President.

The council’s mandate includes policy formulation, implementation of government projects, and overall assistance to the President in executing executive duties.

Housed within the Cabinet Affairs Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the council mainly consists of the President, Vice President, and appointed ministers.

Per Article 148 (2) of the Constitution, the President is obligated to seek advice or act upon recommendations from constitutionally mandated advisory bodies like the Council of State, the National Security Council, and the Nigeria Police Council. These bodies convene periodically to provide such advice and recommendations.

According to the CAO, “the FEC convenes weekly to deliberate on scheduled matters and make decisions.”

However, the Tinubu-led administration has convened only ten times in the past 31 weeks since its inauguration.

On October 16, 2023, Information Minister Mohammed Idris clarified that the council will convene only when there are memoranda for consideration.