RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, claiming that Nigeria could have experienced a complete economic collapse without the administration’s major policy decisions.
Shettima made the assertion at a political gathering titled Together till 2027: An Evening with Original City Boy, organised by groups supporting Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.
The Vice President said the administration’s economic decisions, although difficult for Nigerians, had helped stabilise the economy and prevent what he described as a potentially worse financial crisis.
He cited economic growth, foreign exchange reserves and ongoing government interventions as evidence of progress under Tinubu’s leadership.
According to Shettima, Nigeria recorded 4.43 per cent economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, while the country’s foreign reserves were approaching $60 billion.
However, Central Bank of Nigeria figures cited in the report placed external reserves at $55.07 billion as of October 9, below the level mentioned by the Vice President.
Shettima acknowledged the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians but maintained that the government’s reforms were necessary to address longstanding structural challenges.
He also criticised opponents of the administration, arguing that some of those condemning its policies would have blamed the government had the economy deteriorated further.
The Vice President expressed confidence that additional agricultural interventions would help address food supply challenges and reduce food prices in the coming weeks.
He highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and infrastructure investments as examples of government programmes intended to support economic development and improve opportunities.
Official figures cited in the report showed that headline inflation declined to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, while food inflation stood at 19.59 per cent.
Despite the reported improvements in economic indicators, households continue to face pressure from food prices and other essential living expenses.
Shettima urged young Nigerians to communicate the administration’s policies and achievements to their communities ahead of the general elections.
The gathering formed part of political mobilisation activities by groups supporting Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
The ruling All Progressives Congress is scheduled to begin its presidential campaign in Kaduna on October 24, ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Shettima’s assertion that the economy would have collapsed without the reforms remains a political assessment rather than an independently established economic conclusion.
