The Council had been holding virtual meetings in compliance with safety protocols issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ,NCDC.

Constitutionally, the vice-president is the chairman of NEC, which meets monthly to deliberate on the coordination of economic planning and programmes of various levels of government.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday presided over first physical National Economic Council meeting since COVID-19 lockdown.

NEC is made up of the 36 state governors, the CBN Governor, Minister of Finance and the Head of the Civil Service of Federation.

Other members are the Secretary to Government of the Federation and relevant government officials whose duties hinge on the economy.

Recall that on Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum ,NGF, also met at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, to discuss security challenges confronting the country.

NGF Chairman, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, told State House correspondents that issues discussed included farmers/herders conflicts, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, piracy, cultism, youth protests and insurgency.

He said governors would give full support to the military and other security agencies in the fight against all forms of crimes.