RismadarVoice Reporters, August 4, 2026
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the Federal Government deserves commendation rather than condemnation for its efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
Shettima spoke on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, where he said the reforms were beginning to produce positive results, particularly through increased investment inflows and growth in the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The Vice-President said the administration inherited significant economic challenges but had recorded notable improvements since taking office.
“Professor Soludo, you have done a lot of things for the Federal Government, especially in informing Nigerians where we were coming from, with reserves of $3 billion,” Shettima said.
He noted that Nigeria had moved from a period of capital scarcity to one of increased capital inflows, adding that the country’s foreign reserves had risen significantly.
“When we were experiencing capital flight and scarcity, now we are experiencing capital inflows.
“Our foreign reserves have gone up to over $52 billion and counting in a turbulent world. Even the President deserves commendation and not condemnation,” he said.
Shettima also commended the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, for his public support for the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
The Vice-President recalled Soludo’s position during the 2023 election campaign, when the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria supported the view that the presidential election would not be won through blackmail or intimidation.
According to Shettima, Soludo had “defied the direction of the wind” by insisting that victory would depend on grassroots support.
He further assured investors that the Federal Government remained committed to creating a favourable business environment and attracting more investments into the country.
Shettima said the Federal Government would continue to work with state governments to remove obstacles to investment, enterprise and economic growth.
