National Defence Council (NDC)
- Purpose: Advise the President on matters of defence and national security.
- Composition: President (Chairman), Vice-President, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force), and other relevant government officials.
National Security Council (NSC)
- Purpose: Provide advice and coordination on national security issues.
- Composition: President (Chairman), Vice-President, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, heads of security and intelligence agencies, and other relevant government officials.
National Economic Council (NEC)
- Purpose: Advise the President on economic matters and coordinate economic policies.
- Composition: President (Chairman), Vice-President, Governors of all States, Minister of Finance, Governor of Central Bank, and other relevant government officials.
Council of States
- Purpose: Advise the President on important national issues.
- Composition: President (Chairman), Vice-President, former Presidents, former Heads of State, Chief Justice of Nigeria, President of Senate, Speaker of House of Representatives, Governors of all States, and former Chief Justices.
Advisory Nature
All these councils are advisory bodies, meaning their recommendations and advice are not binding on the President. However, they play a crucial role in informing decision-making and fostering coordination among different government agencies.
Non-Ministerial
The members of these councils do not hold ministerial portfolios in the government. They come from various sectors of society, including government, security, economics, and law.
Administrative
These councils perform administrative functions related to their respective areas of focus. For example, the NDC coordinates defence operations, the NSC coordinates security initiatives, and the NEC formulates economic policies.
Importance
- Provide expertise and diverse perspectives on national issues.
- Facilitate collaboration and coordination among different government entities.
- Enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making.
- Strengthen the President's understanding of complex issues and enable informed policymaking.