TINUBU DESERVES COMMENDATION, NOT CONDEMNATION OVER NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC REFORMS - VP SHETTIMA

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the administration deserves commendation rather than condemnation for its efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, where he said the reforms were beginning to produce positive results, particularly in attracting investment and strengthening the country’s foreign reserves.

The vice-president noted that the administration inherited significant economic challenges but said Nigeria had recorded notable improvements under Tinubu.

Addressing Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event, Shettima said, “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.

“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.”

Shettima also commended Soludo for publicly supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda, recalling that the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor took an unpopular position during the 2023 electioneering period.

According to him, Soludo had “defied the direction of the wind” by insisting that the presidential election would not be won through “blackmail and intimidation” but through “grassroot support.”

The vice-president further assured investors that the Federal Government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment. He said the government would continue working with state governments to remove obstacles to investment and enterprise across the country.