File: Shettima and Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s economy would have collapsed had President Bola Tinubu not taken what he called far-reaching decisions.
He said but for the tough decisions, critics would by now be writing epistles on a collapsed economy from the comfort of their homes in Dubai and New York.
Shettima spoke at a forum titled ‘Together till 2027: An Evening with Original City Boy’, organised by the City Boy Movement in conjunction with the Relax-Tinubu-Is-Fixing-Nigeria movement, both of which are backing the President’s reelection in the January 2027 elections.
The Vice President credited the President’s decisions for the economy’s recovery.
He said, “The President took those far-reaching decisions. He had the courage of conviction and the knowledge to take those far-reaching decisions that repositioned the Nigerian economy, so that now the economy grew by 4.43 per cent in the last quarter.
“Most importantly, our foreign reserves are now hovering at the level of $60bn.
“Remember how far we have come. It’s only those who have been in the deepest valley that will appreciate how magnificent it is to be on a mountain top.”
To the critics of the administration, Shettima said, “The same people that are crying wolf. If the President had not taken those far-reaching decisions, Walahi, I am not talking to you as a politician. I am talking to you as a Nigerian, our economy would have collapsed.
“These people, by now, would be writing epistles on a collapsed economy from the comfort of their homes in Dubai, in New York, or in marriage with their young Moroccan wives.
“I have not mentioned anybody’s name.”
He admitted that Nigerians had endured hardship, but said it could have been worse.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the President has to be commended, not demonised.
“Yes, Nigerians have gone through some tough times, but it could have been worse.
“Be reassured that in the coming weeks, the President will come up with robust responses to agricultural challenges, and prices of foodstuff will certainly come down,” he stated.
The Vice President said efforts were being made to reposition the economy, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and investments in infrastructure. He then asked the youth to carry the message to the streets.
“I urge the youth of Nigeria. I beseech thee. I implore you to go out to the streets and tell the truth to other Nigerians,” he stated.
At the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council on October 14, Shettima mocked the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, over their economic proposals.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported on August 31 that real GDP grew by 4.43 per cent in the second quarter, up from 4.23 per cent a year earlier.
It put headline inflation at 14.63 per cent in September, down from 15.39 per cent in August and 20.98 per cent in September 2025.
Food inflation, however, was 19.59 per cent.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria put external reserves at $55.07bn as of October 9.
The City Boy Movement, led by its Director-General, Francis Shoga, unveiled a nationwide campaign for Tinubu’s reelection on June 11, when Shettima received its leaders at the Presidential Villa.
The Minister of Youth Development said it had representatives in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The APC flags off its campaign in Kaduna on October 24, ahead of the presidential election on January 16, 2027.