Nigeria: Tinubu Deserves Praise, Not Condemnation for Reforms- Shettima

What the report says

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has publicly defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda, arguing that the administration should be praised rather than criticized for reforms intended to steady and improve Nigeria’s economy. The remarks were reported by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica, with Shettima speaking on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, in southern Nigeria.

According to the report, Shettima said the policy changes were beginning to show results, pointing to better investor confidence and a stronger foreign reserves position. He framed the government’s approach as a response to difficult economic conditions inherited by the Tinubu administration. His comments were presented as part of a broader effort to reassure investors that the federal government is working with state governments to reduce barriers to business and create a more supportive climate for enterprise.

Shettima also singled out Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for backing the reform agenda. The vice-president said Soludo had taken an unpopular stance during the 2023 election period by emphasizing grassroots support rather than political pressure. The article portrays the statement as both a defense of the president’s policies and a call for patience as the reforms continue.

More broadly, the development matters because Nigeria has faced significant economic strain in recent years, including pressure on public finances and investor confidence. The report did not provide independent verification of the figures cited by Shettima, so his remarks should be read as the government’s own account of progress.