Shettima says Tinubu’s economic measures prevented Nigeria’s collapse

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic decisions prevented Nigeria from sliding into collapse and “falling into pieces”. Shettima made the claim on Saturday while speaking to journalists after visiting Tinubu in Lagos. He said the country’s foreign reserves were below $3.9bn when the administration took office, arguing that the figure was insufficient to import fuel for one month.

He credited Tinubu’s “courage and conviction” in removing the fuel subsidy and changing the multiple exchange-rate system with helping to stabilise the economy. “The economy was actually on the verge of collapse. He saved the economy,” Shettima said.

He compared Nigeria’s position to the path towards Caracas, while stressing that the administration had prevented the country from disintegrating. The Vice President acknowledged the hardship experienced by Nigerians but said the government was introducing programmes intended to reduce the burden. He said e-logistics would be launched in the North-West in the coming weeks.

Shettima also announced plans for 10,600 electric tricycles in the North-East, along with 300 buses and e-taxis. He said the initiatives were intended to ease the suffering of citizens and described Tinubu as empathetic towards ordinary people. The administration’s assessment has been challenged by opposition figures.

Atiku Abubakar accused the government of worsening poverty since taking office in 2023, while Peter Obi said Nigerians were facing increased hunger and insecurity.