President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Buhari in his brief remarks at the beginning of the first meeting under the second term administration reminded the ministers of the oath they took during the inauguration, urging them not to fail Nigerians.
The President also reiterated his plans to ensure the security and prosperity of N200m Nigerians.
Buhari also gave reasons why he created some new ministries and merged others.
At the meeting were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Head of Service, Winifred Oyo-Ita, and National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.
He said, “Let me make a few remarks at the maiden Next Level Federal Executive Council Meeting. The safety, security and prosperity of Nigeria’s 200 million people are our responsibility, we must not fail them.
“Nigerians voted for me in February 2019 to accomplish three major areas of securing the nation, diversifying and inclusive economy that will end poverty and fighting corruption.
“The ministers’ policies, ideas, and projects should mainly be tailored to these areas.
“For the new cabinet members, this weekly meeting presents an opportunity to know your fellow ministers and exchange ideas with a goal of perfecting our stated policies which will positively impact on Nigerians. In the recently concluded elections, the majority of Nigerians who voted for us gave us a clear mandate: A. to enhance the security of lives and property across the entire country, B. to create a diversified and inclusive economy that will bring prosperity to all, and C. to install governance and accountability in our systems and processes, thereby eliminating corruption.
“Therefore, all ideas and projects that will contribute to achieving these goals shall be foremost in our deliberations.
“To enhance service delivery, we decided to restructure some functions which led to the creation of new ministries to achieve our goal of economic diversification and inclusive growth.
“For example, we merged the ministry of finance with that of budget and national planning, we also created a ministry for humanitarian affairs and disasters management and social development to fully institutionalized our various interventions that support some of the poorest and most distressed citizens of our country.
“Furthermore, we split the ministry of power, works and housing and ministry of transportation and aviation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our infrastructure delivery programs and projects.
“On security, keeping in mind the need to improve on our achievements we created the ministry of police affairs with the purpose to oversee the development and implementation of strategies that will enhance Nigeria’s internal security in synergy with other security and intelligence agencies, this will include supporting the re-establishment of civil authority in the liberated areas of the northeast.
“We also created a new ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, this ministry will manage key projects and initiatives of the presidency.
“The minister’s role will include coordinating of multi-agencies and inter-ministry functions as designated by the President.
“For returning ministers, my decision to appoint you is best on merit. During our first term, you executed your mandate diligently in a patriotic manner. I expect you all to double your efforts in this second term.
“I have instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to draft a schedule of ministerial responsibilities for my review and final approval.
“As I said during the recent retreat, we must work in harmony with each other. Communication and team work are the hallmarks of success.
“I will conclude by tasking you all to keep in mind the oath you took in this very room three weeks ago. As a government our focus must remain that of selfless service.”
