Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos following his return from the United States, where he represented the President at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Shettima’s visit was disclosed on Saturday by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, according to reports.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Vice President said he had maintained regular communication with Tinubu throughout his stay abroad, ensuring that the President remained updated on developments in Nigeria.
Shettima explained that technological advancements had made it easier for the President to monitor government activities and remain informed about the country’s situation despite being outside Nigeria.
He said, “Well, we are quite thrilled that he is back on the seat and we have been in regular contact throughout his sojourn abroad.
“So we have been in regular contact, we speak almost every other day and we are updating him on developments in the nation and we are happy he is back on the seat.”
Shettima Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The Vice President also defended some of the major economic policies introduced by the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the country’s multiple foreign exchange rates.
Shettima urged Nigerians to remain patient with the government, insisting that the difficult decisions were necessary to address longstanding economic challenges and stabilise the nation’s finances.
He recalled that when the Tinubu administration assumed office, Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at approximately $3.9 billion, which he described as insufficient to finance fuel imports for even one month.
“When we assume the mantle of leadership, our foreign reserves was a staggeringly low $3.9bn that was not enough to import fuel for one month,” he said.
According to Shettima, Tinubu demonstrated the political courage to implement far-reaching economic reforms that previous administrations had been reluctant to undertake.
“He had the courage and the conviction to take far-reaching decisions,” the Vice President stated, referring to the removal of the petrol subsidy and the reform of the foreign exchange system.
He further maintained that the policies had helped protect the Nigerian economy, declaring, “He saved the economy. I want Nigerians to understand this fundamental truism.”
Nigerians Urged to Remain Patient Amid Economic Hardship
Shettima acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of living and the financial pressure on households, but expressed optimism that the situation would eventually improve.
The Vice President said the Federal Government recognised the sacrifices citizens were making and was working on interventions to cushion the impact of the economic reforms.
“We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever; tough people do,” he stated.
He assured Nigerians that the administration was developing programmes and projects aimed at easing economic hardship, particularly among vulnerable communities and low-income households.
FG Plans Electric Tricycles, Buses and E-Taxis
As part of the planned interventions, Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government was preparing an e-logistics programme for the North-East region.
The initiative is expected to involve the deployment of 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and electric taxis to improve transportation, support economic activities and create opportunities for residents.
The Vice President added that the government was also developing programmes targeting students and other vulnerable groups as part of its broader efforts to reduce the impact of economic challenges.
“Be rest assured that we’ll come up with programmes and projects to ease the pains of the people,” Shettima assured.
The proposed interventions are part of the administration’s broader strategy to provide relief to Nigerians while pursuing its economic reform agenda.
Shettima Speaks on 2027 General Elections
On the political situation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Shettima acknowledged that political activities were already gathering momentum across the country.
However, he maintained that the Tinubu administration would remain focused on governance and the implementation of its policies rather than allowing early political activities to distract it from its responsibilities.
The Vice President’s visit to Tinubu comes as the administration continues to defend its economic policies amid public concerns over inflation, petrol prices and the cost of living.
Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing Nigerians, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms and planned interventions would eventually deliver positive results.