Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, claiming that the administration’s decisions have pulled Nigeria back from the brink of an economic calamity that could have become inevitable if successive governments had continued to delay critical reforms.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday while addressing leaders and members of the City Boy Movement at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja.
According to the Vice-President, the Tinubu administration chose to confront Nigeria’s longstanding structural economic challenges rather than postpone difficult decisions. He described the President’s approach as courageous and necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis.
Shettima said the administration’s willingness to implement reforms distinguished it from previous governments, adding that the President had demonstrated the determination required to address the country’s economic difficulties.
He acknowledged that the reforms had placed considerable pressure on Nigerian households but stressed that the government had a responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices made by citizens translated into improved livelihoods.
“We recognise the pressures Nigerians have endured, and our obligation is to ensure that their sacrifices yield better livelihoods,” he said.
The Vice-President added that the government must remain attentive to the concerns of citizens, correct policies that fail to deliver the desired results and assess progress based on the everyday experiences of Nigerian households.
Shettima also praised Tinubu’s political leadership, arguing that his ability to accommodate different interests had strengthened cooperation within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He maintained that effective governance required more than developing policies, noting that leaders must also manage relationships, listen to opposing views and build consensus among people with different interests.
According to him, the APC has become a platform for uniting diverse groups because of the President’s approach to inclusion and his willingness to recognise talent beyond familiar political circles.
The Vice-President also commended the City Boy Movement for its role in communicating government policies to Nigerians, countering misinformation and encouraging public discussions about the administration’s programmes.
He said the movement had helped extend policy discussions into communities beyond the reach of official government communications, making it easier for citizens to understand and engage with government decisions.
Shettima further praised Tinubu’s long-term development vision, citing his support for the development of reclaimed land along the Atlantic coastline as an example of planning beyond the duration of an administration.
He said the President’s vision included creating opportunities for future generations, supporting industries yet to be established and pursuing development projects whose benefits could extend beyond his time in office.
The Vice-President also emphasised the importance of youth participation in politics and governance, describing the involvement of young Nigerians as an encouraging sign for the country’s democratic future.
He urged members of the City Boy Movement to remain committed to national unity and responsible political participation, while stressing the need for the government to justify the confidence citizens had placed in it through tangible results.
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