Kashim Shettima Defends Tinubu's Reforms Amid Economic Hardship

Vice President Kashim Shettima defended President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms on Saturday, asserting that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates saved Nigeria from total collapse. Speaking in Lagos following the President's return from annual vacation, Shettima claimed the administration inherited an economy in 2023 that was "teetering on the verge of collapse" with foreign reserves below $3.9 billion, an amount he said was insufficient to cover one month of fuel imports.

While acknowledging the current cost-of-living crisis, Shettima urged Nigerians to be "generous" toward the President, stating that "tough times do not last forever; tough people do." He argued that Tinubu demonstrated political courage to prevent the nation from "falling into pieces."

To mitigate public hardship, the government is launching several interventions. These include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, an e-logistics program in the North-West, and the deployment of 300 buses and e-taxis. Additionally, the government plans to deploy 10,600 electric tricycles in the North-East in the coming weeks. Regarding the 2027 elections, Shettima noted the administration would combine governance with political activity.

Opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi challenged the Vice President's assessment, citing increased poverty, hunger, and insecurity across the country.