Shettima Seeks Diaspora Support For Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

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VP Says Nigeria’s Foreign Reserves Rise To Over $55bn, Economy Records 4.45% Growth



Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians living abroad, particularly those in the United States, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its efforts to transform Nigeria’s economy.

Shettima made the call on Wednesday during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian diaspora community at Nigeria House in New York.

The Vice President said the Federal Government was repositioning the economy through reforms in education, healthcare, science and technology, and agriculture, while seeking to harness the expertise and resources of Nigerians in the diaspora.

He described the diaspora community as “the greatest resource of the future,” stressing that Nigerians possess the capacity and intellect needed to harness the country’s potential.

Shettima said the administration had taken what he described as courageous decisions since assuming office, adding that the reforms were beginning to produce tangible results.

According to him, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have risen from $3.9 billion to more than $55 billion, while the economy recorded 4.45 per cent growth in the last quarter.

He said improvements in the exchange rate and foreign reserves would strengthen the safety of diaspora remittances, support exchange-rate stability and boost investments by Nigerians living abroad.

“We are working day and night to reposition the Nigerian nation as investment confidence is returning to Nigeria, and the Dangote Refinery success story is a true manifestation in recent times,” Shettima said.

He also highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, saying more than 1.29 million students in tertiary institutions had accessed N125 billion since the programme began.

On security, the Vice President acknowledged the challenges facing the country, but said the Federal Government was deploying available resources to contain emerging threats.

Shettima also called for national unity, urging Nigerians to put aside their differences and work towards a prosperous country.

He said, “Whatever binds us together supersedes whatever divides us as a people.”

The meeting was attended by several governors, including Babagana Zulum of Borno, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.

Also present were Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, several ministers, Nigeria’s representatives in the United States and at the United Nations, heads of government agencies and other senior Nigerian officials.

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