Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration as it navigates the country through economic challenges.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Abuja, Shettima acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, but emphasized the need for tough decisions to address the ailing economy.
He explained that the Tinubu administration inherited an economy on the brink of collapse, with no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget. The decision to remove the subsidy was inevitable, he said, to prevent economic implosion.
Shettima highlighted the administration’s economic and social agenda, including initiatives in the oil and gas, creative arts, steel, and solid minerals sectors, as well as the digital economy and housing sector.
He praised President Tinubu’s leadership, saying he chose to steer the ship through the storm rather than jumping ship.
Shettima also acknowledged the resolve of the Central Bank Governor and National Security Adviser to tackle economic sabotage and currency manipulation.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Minister of Information, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, and leaders in the media industry.
The Chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, commended the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a detailed and carefully crafted policy document.
He emphasized the need for policy consistency and long-term vision to transform critical sectors of the economy.
