Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms, stating that they saved Nigeria from collapse. According to Shettima, the country was "on the road to Caracas" when Tinubu assumed office. He made these comments after meeting with Tinubu at the President's Lagos residence. Shettima emphasized that Tinubu took difficult but necessary decisions to prevent economic collapse. These decisions included the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of multiple exchange rates.
Shettima revealed that Nigeria's foreign reserves stood at $3.9 billion when the administration took office. He described this figure as "staggeringly low," noting it was insufficient to sustain the country's oil imports for even a month. The Vice President credited Tinubu with saving the economy from collapse. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, acknowledging the economic hardship being experienced. Shettima stressed that the government was introducing measures to cushion the impact of the reforms.
The Vice President announced that the Federal Government would deploy 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses, and electric taxis in the Northeast. This initiative aims to reduce the burden on residents in the region. The program, set to launch in the coming weeks, is part of the government's efforts to alleviate suffering. Shettima described these measures as essential to ameliorating the sufferings of the people.
Shettima emphasized that President Tinubu remains concerned about the welfare of Nigerians. He described the President as a leader with "a lot of empathy for the common man." The Vice President cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as an example of the administration's interventions. NELFUND aims to expand access to higher education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Shettima stated that the administration would focus on governance while engaging in politics. He expressed satisfaction with Tinubu's return to active engagement. According to Shettima, the President remained in constant communication with his team while abroad. The Vice President noted that advances in science and technology have made impactful leadership possible from anywhere.
Shettima disclosed that Tinubu and he had remained in regular contact during the President's period abroad. He mentioned that they spoke almost every other day, updating each other on developments in the nation. The Vice President expressed happiness about Tinubu's return to active engagement.
The Vice President concluded by urging Nigerians to remain patient, stressing that "tough times do not last forever." He emphasized that the government was working to address the economic challenges facing the country. KEY_POINT: Tinubu's administration saved Nigeria from economic collapse. KEY_POINT: The government will deploy 10,600 electric tricycles and 300 buses in the Northeast. KEY_POINT: President Tinubu remains concerned about the welfare of Nigerians.
