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VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA ATTRIBUTES NIGERIA’S NEW GROWTH TRAJECTORY TO PRESIDENT TINUBU’S BOLD LEADERSHIP, POLICIES

Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed Nigeria’s new growth trajectory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold, courageous leadership and well-thought-out policies. Speaking during an update meeting with relevant ministers and heads of agencies at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima noted that “in President Bola Tinubu, we have a leader who has shown that dexterity, that audacity to hope for a better tomorrow.” The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said the Vice President expressed satisfaction with the firm grasp of the real issues by ministers in the key sectors targeted for deliberations during the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism slated for the later part of the year. Shettima called on all the key actors on the Nigerian side to make adequate preparations for the meeting, noting that there has to be some clarity, strategic coherence and a deep understanding of issues that will be tabled for discussion. “I want to urge all Ministers involved in this Nigeria-Brazil strategic dialogue to take charge of the initiative of the discussions so that we can take it to the next level, let’s walk the talk. Please, drive the process, engage with the different strategic focus groups to give you weekly updates to prepare us for the visit of the Brazilian Vice President and his delegation,” Shettima said. “The most important thing at this moment is for us to actualize the dreams of our nation’s development. We have the resources and institutional knowledge to make this work for our country.” The Vice President also stressed the need to leverage the huge opportunities inherent in the partnership between Nigeria and Brazil to actualize Nigeria’s vision across agriculture, culture and tourism, livestock production and military technology, among others. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, noted that the dialogue presents a renewed opportunity for Nigeria to revitalise the nation’s agricultural sector to attain the food sovereign goals of the administration. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, spoke on the cultural significance of the partnership, saying, “There is a huge population in Brazil of Nigerian descent who have a lot of interest in Nigeria.” Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, stated that all is set for signing of a defence agreement with Brazil, while Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, highlighted healthcare opportunities that dialogue presents to Nigeria. Nkwocha added that the Strategic Dialogue will be preceded by a Trade and Investment Forum coinciding with the anticipated visit of Brazil’s Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin. Shettima, Nkwocha stated, commended the leadership of the Niger Delta, saying, “I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.”

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA REITERATES FG’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS

In a bid to address Nigeria’s food security challenges, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting local farmers through targeted interventions. The government plans to intervene robustly to protect local producers, reduce production costs, and provide single-digit loans. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that Vice President Shettima made this known during the steering committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) at the Presidential Villa. “We need to support our local farmers. Give them single-digit loans. The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit has metamorphosed into an incubator beyond being an advisory body,” VP Shettima stated. Nkwocha added that the Vice President emphasized the importance of strategic government intervention to reduce production costs and support local farmers. The Vice President cited South Korea’s transformation through strategic industrial investments as an example. “How South Korea, a former poor nation, was able to become the world’s number one steel producer. They gave hefty discounts and single-digit loans to the Daewoos, LGs, and Samsungs, who are now global leaders even in the semiconductor business,” VP Shettima explained. Stanley Nkwocha noted that the Vice President directed Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to engage with a Brazilian delegation this Saturday to explore opportunities for collaboration on agriculture. Nkwocha stated that the meeting aims to promote food stability and support local farmers.

NIGERIA LEADS AFRICA’S DIGITAL TRADE REVOLUTION, TARGETS 10M NEW JOBS

Nigeria has been officially designated as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion, a role that could help create over 10 million new jobs across the continent by the end of 2025. Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s digital trade agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said the Vice President, represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated this on Wednesday during the AfCFTA Digital Trade Workshop and Global Market at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. Nkwocha noted that Nigeria’s progress in digital commerce, services, and innovation, has positioned the country as the continent’s digital trade hub. “Our innovations in mobile payments have transformed cross-border payments, financial inclusion, and digital transactions across the continent,” VP Shettima stated. Nkwocha added that Nigeria’s appointment as Africa’s Digital Trade Champion followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s December 2024 pledge in Cape Town to champion the digital trade agenda for all Africans. Nkwocha also stated that the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol aims to increase intra-African trade from 18% in 2022 to 50% by 2030. With over 109 million internet users and a thriving mobile economy, Nigeria has the foundation to lead Africa’s digital commerce evolution, Nkwocha quoted VP Shettima as saying. Stanley Nkwocha further stated that the Internet economy is projected to contribute 5.2% of Africa’s GDP this year, with the continent’s digital economy expected to reach $180 billion, up from $115 billion in 2020. “Initiatives such as the Federal Ministry of Investment’s National Talent Export Programme, launched by the President in September 2023, the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative backed by the Office of the Vice President, and the 3 Million Technology Talents Programme of the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy are leading this growth and opening up opportunities for access to high-quality Nigerian talent at a global scale,” VP Shettima said. Stanley Nkwocha also quoted the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, as describing the workshop as a welcome development, recalling that last year, President Tinubu had approved the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund to empower Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and SMEs.

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS THE PASSING OF CHIEF EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the passing of elder statesman Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark as a profound loss to Nigeria. Chief Clark, the late Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died on Monday at his residence at the age of 97. In a condolence message on Wednesday, the Vice President, in a statement, said the renowned nationalist and Ijaw national leader had a significant influence on Nigeria’s national discourse spanning over six decades, particularly on issues of resource control and environmental justice in the Niger Delta region. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said VP Shettima extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, describing the late Chief Clark as a distinguished patriot and a fearless advocate for justice and equity. “When the giant Iroko tree falls, the landscape itself is forever altered. Today, our national horizon looks markedly different without Chief Clark’s commanding presence that has defined our political discourse for over six decades,” VP Shettima said. Nkwocha stated that the Vice President paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Clark, recalling his advocacy for restructuring, which he said often put him at odds with various administrations but earned him respect across political divides. “Chief Clark embodied the resilient spirit of the Niger Delta – unbowed and unwavering in his pursuit of justice. He consistently demonstrated that true leadership flows from unwavering principle rather than political expediency. “The Niger Delta has lost one of its most eloquent defenders, the Ijaw nation its most prominent son, and Nigeria a truth-teller whose interventions consistently redirected our national conversation toward justice and inclusivity,” VP Shettima stated. Nkwocha signed off the statement on behalf of the Office of the Vice President.

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS THE PASSING OF PA AYO ADEBANJO

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a renowned leader of Afenifere, who died on Friday at the age of 96. In a statement, the Vice President described Pa Adebanjo as an advocate of a more equitable and progressive Nigeria, noting his extensive contributions to the country’s democratic journey. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that Vice President Shettima paid glowing tribute to Pa Adebanjo, calling him “a living bridge that connected us to the foundational struggles of our democracy.” Nkwocha added that the Vice President praised Pa Adebanjo’s resolute and principled voice, which consistently advocated for a more equitable and progressive Nigeria until his final days. “We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an institution,” Vice President Shettima said. “In African tradition when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. Pa Adebanjo was indeed among one of the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to the foundational struggles of our democracy.” Nkwocha stated that Vice President Shettima also extended his condolences to Pa Adebanjo’s family, particularly his 94-year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo. Stanley Nkwocha noted that the Vice President expressed his hope that the family would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.” Pa Adebanjo passed away peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on Friday, February 14, 2025. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

VP SHETTIMA RESTATES FG’S DEDICATION TO WORKERS’ WELFARE, WAGE REFORMS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to the welfare of members of the organised labour, inclusive economic policies, and wage reforms. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation led by the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Gilbert Houngbo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, the Vice President lauded Nigeria’s vibrant labour movement and its role in national development. “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare of Nigerian workers. We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it. Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights,” the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, quoted VP Shettima as saying. VP Shettima noted the global workforce transformation and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, citing the country’s youthful population as a major advantage. “One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” Stanley Nkwocha quoted VP Shettima as saying. Senator Shettima expressed confidence in the country’s future workforce, saying, “Our young people are digitally more literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.” Shettima assured the ILO delegation that President Tinubu would be briefed on their requests upon his return to the country. “We are all patriots and partners in progress. The President is very much at home with the labour ecosystem,” Stanley Nkwocha quoted Shettima as saying. The ILO DG, Mr Houngbo, thanked VP Shettima for receiving him and the delegation, noting that his visit to the country as DG was long overdue. He appealed to the Federal Government to speed up the finalisation of the reform of the labour code, even as he sought the support of VP Shettima for the revival of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC). “We believe that, given the dynamism of the labour market in Nigeria, its population, ambition and role in Africa, having the NLAC revived will really be beneficial to all,” he added. Stanley Nkwocha said in a statement that other dignitaries present at the meeting included the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and the President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, among others.

VP SHETTIMA INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO BRIDGE FINANCIAL GAPS IN NIGERIA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI) as part of the federal government’s commitment to achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. The event also witnessed the signing of an investment agreement by private sector stakeholders to provide the foundational infrastructure needed for the full operationalisation of the Aso Accord initiative. A statement, signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, noted that the composition of the Presidential Committee underscores the commitment of President Tinubu in attaining his administration’s trillion-dollar target for the economy. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic aspirations require more than optimism but “deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win.” He added, “Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams.” Shettima noted that since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, inclusion rates have improved from 60.3% to 74% as of 2023 but added that beneath these figures lie untold stories of millions still locked out of the financial system. “We welcome this investment as an opportunity to catalyse growth for our startups and MSMEs, create jobs, and propel Nigeria towards the $1 trillion economy target by 2030. This is not merely another government initiative. This is a higher calling—a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximise the full potential of our people. Shettima further noted that youth, women, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rural populations, and certain regions have continued “to face systemic barriers that deny them the opportunity to reach their full economic potential.” He explained that the new Presidential Committee will operate through the Governance Committee (GovCo) and a Technical Committee (TechCo) and be supported by an Implementation Secretariat. Shettima added that this framework “ensures that our approach is not only robust but also adaptable to evolving challenges and opportunities in financial and economic inclusion.” Nkwocha stated that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the Ministry of Finance remains committed to the tasks assigned to the Presidential Committee. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ministry will be the biggest beneficiary of the efforts to enhance economic and financial inclusion across the nation. Also, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended the Vice President’s leadership of the efforts to accelerate the ongoing reforms across different sectors in the country.

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS ENUGU TANKER EXPLOSION VICTIMS, CALLS FOR END TO TANKER ACCIDENTS

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with the people and government of Enugu over the fuel tanker fire that claimed lives following an accident in the state. The Vice President described the incident as a sad reminder of the need to put an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions. The fuel tanker had veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday. In a condolence message to families of those who lost their lives and the injured, Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times. “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident,” Shettima said. Shettima reassured Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on the roads, following President Tinubu’s directive. He promised that the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country. “I express my profound condolences to the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones and those that are undergoing treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals,” Shettima added. “While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and quick return to health for the injured.”

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER SUCCESSFUL WEF 2025 ENGAGEMENTS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after his eventful engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that the Vice President represented Nigeria at the annual global economic summit, presenting the nation’s investment opportunities to a global audience. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima advocated African economic integration and held strategic meetings with world leaders and international organizations. During his time in Davos, VP Shettima participated in forums that drew attention to the importance of driving investment into Africa’s frontier markets. At a forum titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to attract capital for sustainable growth. Stanley Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima assured of Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming the nation’s resolve to leverage digital trade as a tool for economic transformation. He projected Africa’s potential to achieve a $29 trillion economy by 2050. In bilateral meetings with global leaders, including the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, VP Shettima discussed strengthening intra-African relations and fostering partnerships to promote trade and development. Nkwocha stated that VP Shettima engaged in talks with the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, on collaborative efforts to address Africa’s challenges. Speaking on Nigeria’s reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, VP Shettima highlighted ongoing measures, noting that the country is now on a path to sustained economic growth.

NIGERIA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Nigerian government has called for collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to foster economic development and growth in the country and on the African continent. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call during a bilateral meeting with President of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Børge Brende, on the sidelines of the ongoing annual meeting of WEF in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that VP Shettima sought partnerships with the global body on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad. On the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, VP Shettima said Nigeria will leverage the WEF platform to develop the gas project, addressing geopolitical challenges in Europe and the growing demand for energy due to artificial intelligence, data mining, and storage. “We seek your collaboration in fundamental areas. One is on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) which will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries,” VP Shettima said. Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima also emphasized the importance of recharging Lake Chad, which will address the food security crisis, generate clean energy, and combat terrorism. “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the Sahelian region. The challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP might not be disconnected from the realities of existential threats we are facing,” VP Shettima stated. VP Shettima also informed the WEF President about the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigerian President has returned Nigeria to the path of sustained economic growth. “Most importantly, we are talking about the present. My leader and my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who also grew up in the finance ecosystem… Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon and we’re now on the path to sustained economic growth,” he stated. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima invited the WEF President to Nigeria to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also intimating him of Nigeria’s readiness to host the WEF Africa. VP Shettima underscored the importance of fostering collaboration with WEF, noting that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and the most populous nation, with 250 million people. “And by 2050, we will be the third most populous nation on earth, surpassing the United States. By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth,” he added.