Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s tough policy decisions, stating they are being implemented in the best interest of Nigerians.
Shettima made the remarks while receiving executives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), led by its national president, Jani Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Emphasising the administration’s commitment to economic revitalisation, the vice president noted that the government has created a more conducive environment for serious business activity.
He pointed to key policy moves such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate system, and ongoing tax reforms as part of broader efforts to stabilise and grow the economy.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is ready for business, and you are the drivers of change. I plead guilty to romancing with the business community, the manufacturing and productive sectors. This is how great nations are built; this is how Korea became what it is,” the vice-president said.
Mr Shettima stressed that Mr Tinubu remained committed to the reforms, despite resistance from entrenched interests, describing them as necessary actions taken for the greater good of Nigerians.
“The current administration is your own because the president speaks your language, the language of commerce. He grew up in that ecosystem, understands how businesses are run, and was the financial controller at Mobil,” Mr Shettima said.
He applauded the president’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-standing burden on the nation.
“While the fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive administrations, he had the courage and conviction to remove it. The oil cabal fought back, but he refused to budge. He stood his ground because he acted in the best interest of Nigerians,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ibrahim noted that he was elected President of NACCIMA and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector during the association’s 65th Annual General Meeting held last month in Ilorin.
He praised Vice-President Shettima’s leadership as head of several key national economic bodies, including the National Economic Council, the National Council on Privatisation, the Bureau of Public Enterprises, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, and the MSME councils.
“National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and the private sector. We recognise the private sector as the engine of growth while the government sets the enabling framework,” Mr Ibrahim said.
He advocated for regular engagement between the organised private sector and the Office of the Vice President, suggesting biannual consultative meetings.
Mr Ibrahim further urged the inclusion of private sector representatives in key government councils and technical committees, especially those focused on trade, industry, privatisation, and small and medium enterprises.
