Members of the council of state have expressed support for the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The council however asked Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, to make new naira notes available or recirculate old naira notes to ease the suffering of Nigerians.
The meeting, held on Friday at the presidential villa, was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The National Council of States is an organ of the Nigerian Government. Its functions include advising the executive on policy making. The Council has no executive power, however plays an important advice and consent role in government operations.
Membership of the Council includes the President, Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former presidents, former heads of state, former chief justices of Nigeria, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Friday’s meeting is a hybrid meeting: while some members are physically present and the State House Abuja venue, others are joining online.
The former Nigerian leaders physically present are Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo joined online.
Others who joined online are Sokoto governor and chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Aminu Tambuwal, Kebbi State Governor and chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Abubakar Bagudu, Plateau governor and chairman Northern Governors Forum, Simon Lalong, Ebonyi Governor David Umahi, Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Jigawa Governor Abubakar Badaru, and Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Others are Benue State Deputy Governor Benson Abounu, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Emmanuel Akabe, and Enugu Deputy Governor.
Two former Chief Justice of the Federation – Alfa Belgore and Mahmud Muhammad – are also joining virtually.
Those physically attending the meeting include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan,
Oh Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, Attorney General Abubakar Malami, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan.
