Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote attended the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. The meeting, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, focused on economic and public health issues, including the polio eradication efforts in Nigeria. Their participation highlights the collaboration between global leaders and Nigerian policymakers
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, were notable attendees at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on September 4, 2024. The session was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and was attended by key Nigerian state governors, including Babagana Zulum (Borno), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and others.
The focus of the meeting likely revolved around the ongoing efforts of both the Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation in eradicating the wild polio virus in Nigeria. The participation of these prominent figures underscores their commitment to the health sector and Nigeria’s economic development.
The gathering came just a day after the federal government increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), sparking significant public reactions. Social media discussions were filled with mixed opinions about the presence of these business magnates at the meeting, with some users expressing cynicism about their involvement, while others recognized their influence on global and national economic matters.
Their contributions to the NEC meeting may also offer strategies to mitigate the economic impact of recent policy changes, including the subsidy removal, on the Nigerian populace. The outcomes of this high-level meeting are expected to shape future economic and public health policies in the country.
