Nigeria's Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Nigerians living in the United States to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration in transforming the country's economy. He made the appeal during an interactive session with the Nigerian diaspora community at the Nigeria House in New York on September 4, 2026. Shettima emphasized the importance of the diaspora community, describing them as "the greatest resource of the future." He expressed confidence in the nation's potential, stating that citizens have the capacity to harness Nigeria's resources and take the country to greater heights.
Shettima highlighted the administration's efforts to reposition the economy, particularly in education, health, science and technology, and agriculture. He noted that President Tinubu has been courageous in making bold decisions to address the nation's challenges. According to Shettima, the President did not resort to blaming his predecessor for the country's state of affairs but instead took decisive actions. The Vice President cited the increase in foreign reserves from $3.9 billion to over $55 billion and the 4.45 percent growth in the last quarter as evidence of the reforms' positive impact.
The Vice President assured the diaspora community that the administration is working to guarantee the safety of their remittances and investments. He attributed the improvements in exchange rates and foreign reserves to the reforms undertaken by the government. Shettima expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the path of sustained growth, citing the success of the Dangote Refinery as a manifestation of renewed investment confidence in the country.
Shettima also discussed the introduction of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, which has provided access to N125 billion for over 1.29 million Nigerian students in tertiary institutions. He addressed the security challenges facing the country, assuring that the administration is deploying all available means to contain emerging threats. The Vice President urged citizens to strive for a united and prosperous nation, emphasizing that Nigerians must unite for the country's progress.
The event at the Nigeria House in New York was attended by several high-profile individuals, including Governors Babagana Zulum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Siminalayi Fubara, and Dauda Lawal. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and spouses of several state governors were also present. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and several other ministers, including those responsible for Science, Innovation and Technology, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Education, attended the event.
Other attendees included Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, and the country's Ambassador to Washington, Kayode Are. Heads of government agencies and top officials of the Nigerian mission in the US were also in attendance. The gathering provided a platform for the Vice President to engage with the diaspora community and address their concerns.
Shettima's visit to New York and engagement with the diaspora community reflects the administration's efforts to foster a sense of unity and inclusiveness. The Vice President emphasized that Nigerians must unite for the country's progress, stating that "whatever binds us together supercedes whatever divides us as a people." The event concluded with a renewed call for collaboration and support between the government and the diaspora community.
Key points
- - The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has urged the diaspora community to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms. - The administration has undertaken several reforms, including the introduction of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, which has provided N125 billion to over 1.29 million students. - Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic prospects, citing increased foreign reserves and growth in the last quarter.
