Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the administration deserves praise, not criticism, for policies introduced to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
Shettima spoke on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba. He said the reforms were already delivering positive results, especially by attracting investment and boosting the country’s foreign reserves.
According to the vice-president, the Tinubu administration inherited a troubled economy but has recorded clear progress.
“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.
“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 praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for openly backing the administration’s reform plans. He recalled that the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor took an unpopular stand during the 2023 election campaign.
He said Soludo had “defied the direction of the wind” by insisting the presidential election would not be won through “blackmail and intimidation” but through “grassroot support.”
The vice-president also assured investors that the Federal Government would continue working closely with state governments to create a better business environment by removing barriers to investment and enterprise.
