Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, insisting that the administration deserves recognition rather than criticism for policies introduced to stabilise and reposition Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, Shettima said the Federal Government’s reform programme has begun producing measurable results, particularly in attracting investment, improving capital inflows and strengthening the country’s foreign reserves. The Vice President argued that the Tinubu administration inherited significant economic challenges but has since made steady progress despite global economic uncertainties.
Highlighting what he described as evidence of the reforms’ impact, Shettima pointed to the country’s rising external reserves and improved investor confidence. According to him, Nigeria has moved from a period of capital scarcity to one of increasing capital inflows.
“Professor Soludo, you have done a lot of things for the federal government, especially in informing Nigerians where we were coming from; from reserves of $3 billion,” Shettima said.
He added: “when we were experiencing capital plight and scarcity, now we are experiencing capital inflows. Our foreign reserves have gone up to over $52 billion and counting in a turbulent world. Even the president deserves commendation and not condemnation.”
The Vice President maintained that the positive economic indicators demonstrate that the administration’s policy decisions are beginning to achieve their intended objectives.
Shettima also applauded Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for publicly backing the Federal Government’s reform agenda. He recalled that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took what he described as an unpopular position during the 2023 election period by openly expressing confidence in Tinubu’s eventual victory.
According to Shettima, Soludo “defied the direction of the wind” by insisting that elections would ultimately be decided through grassroots support rather than intimidation or political blackmail. The Vice President said such support reflected courage and conviction during a highly competitive political season.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to economic growth, Shettima assured both local and foreign investors that the Federal Government would continue collaborating with state governments to improve the business environment.
He said efforts remain focused on removing barriers that discourage investment while creating conditions that encourage enterprise, industrial growth and long-term economic development. According to the Vice President, sustained cooperation between the federal and state governments is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s investment potential and ensuring the continued success of the administration’s Tinubu economic reforms.
