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

The meeting, which features a virtual component, is being attended by key political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, who are present physically.

Retired Generals Abubakar Abdulsalam and Yakubu Gowon are participating virtually while former President, Olusegun Obasanjo is conspicuously absent.

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This meeting marks the first convening of the Council since February 10, 2023, under former President Buhari, and comes 14 months into President Tinubu’s tenure.

The National Council of State is a constitutional advisory body that plays a crucial role in guiding the executive branch on policy-making and decision-making processes.

The Council consists of the President, 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 advisory capacity encompasses national security, economic policies, and appointments of key public officials, including members of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Police Service Commission.

While the recommendations of the Council are not legally binding, they often carry significant weight in shaping presidential decisions.