President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the first Council of State meeting of his administration.

The meeting includes a virtual component, and has in attendance the vice president, Kashim Shettima, the president of the senate, Godswill Akpabio, former presidents Muhammadu Buhari, and Goodluck Jonathan physically present, while retired Generals Abubakar Abdulsalam and Yakubu Gowon are attending virtually.

Also present are state governors, some ministers and former Chief justices of Nigeria.

Tuesday’s meeting is Tinubu’s first since assuming office 14 months ago.

It comes 18 months after the council last met on February 10, 2023, under former president Buhari.

The National Council of State is a constitutional organ of the Nigerian government that advises the executive on policy-making, among other functions.

It includes the President (who serves as its chairman), the Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and all state governors.

Its role is largely advisory, guiding the President in decision-making processes on national security, appointments and economic policies.

The Council meets to deliberate on crucial national issues, including—but not limited to—national security, economic challenges, and the appointment of key public officials like the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Population Commission, and the Police Service Commission.

Additionally, the Council advises on the exercise of the President’s powers regarding pardons and commutations. The meetings are typically convened by the president and are not held regularly but are instead called as needed, especially when the country faces significant challenges that require input from past and present leaders.

Though not binding, the Council’s recommendations often influence presidential decisions.

Details soon…