President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the Economic Advisory Council, tasking them to focus on data collection.

The eight-man advisory council, at a maiden meeting with President Buhari, was asked to set an agenda that is achievable in the short term.

President Buhari last month replaced the Economic Management Team, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, with the Economic Advisory Council which is mandated to report directly to him.

The council is headed by Professor Doyin Salami with Dr. Mohammed Sagagi as vice chairman while the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Development Policy, Dr. Mohammed Salisu, is the secretary.

Appointed as members of the council is the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr Bismark Rewane.

Other members of the committee are Professor Ode Ojowu, Dr Shehu Yahaya, and Dr Iyabo Masha.

The Council is expected to advise the President on economic policy matters, including fiscal analysis, economic growth and a range of internal and global economic issues working with the relevant cabinet members and heads of monetary and fiscal agencies.