Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, declaring that the President saved Nigeria from economic collapse through difficult but necessary policy decisions.
Shettima made the remarks on Saturday after meeting with Tinubu at the President’s Lagos residence, where he spoke about the economic situation inherited by the administration and the measures taken to stabilise the country.
According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s economy was on the verge of collapse when the Tinubu administration assumed office in May 2023, citing the country’s foreign reserves and challenges surrounding fuel imports.
He specifically defended the removal of the petrol subsidy and the realignment of multiple foreign exchange rates, describing the decisions as far-reaching measures that were necessary to prevent a deeper economic crisis.
Shettima urged Nigerians to appreciate the President’s efforts, while acknowledging the economic hardship citizens continue to experience as a result of the reforms.
“We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever. Tough people do”, the Vice President said.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working on additional interventions to ease the burden on households and vulnerable citizens.
Among the measures he announced was a planned e-logistics initiative in the North-East, which he said would involve the deployed of 10,600 electric tricycles alongside 300 buses and electric taxis to help reduce transportation difficulties.
Shettima also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as an important intervention designed to expand access to higher education for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
He further stated that the government would continue combining governance with political activities as the country approaches to 2027 general elections.
-9News Nigeria.
