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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for patriotism, caution, and stronger collaboration between labour and industry, stressing that “Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.”
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Shettima warned against actions that could derail the country’s economic recovery.
He urged the protection of strategic national investments such as the Dangote Refinery, which he described as “an institution, not an individual.”
“How we treat Aliko Dangote will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $80 billion today, but he chose to invest in his country. We owe it to future generations to protect, promote, preserve, and project the interests of this great Nigeria.”
Addressing ongoing industrial disputes and labour tensions, the Vice President appealed for dialogue and understanding.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message at the summit themed “Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030,” Shettima said the administration’s economic reforms are yielding tangible results.
According to him, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23 percent in September 2025, while non-oil revenues rose by 411 percent year-on-year.
He stated that external reserves stood at $43 billion as of September, with total revenue collection rising from ₦19.9 trillion in 2023 to ₦27.8 trillion by August 2025.
Shettima also said the debt service-to-revenue ratio had dropped from 97 percent to below 50 percent, while the country’s sovereign rating had been upgraded to a stable outlook, reflecting renewed investor confidence.
“These numbers tell the story of a nation prepared for the present. They represent the promise we made to Nigeria. We came to office fully aware that the secret to a successful federation lies in empowering each federating unit with the resources and autonomy to fulfil development peculiar to its needs.”
He highlighted initiatives in agriculture, solid minerals, and MSME support, announcing a $200 billion intervention fund for small businesses.
Shettima added that the government is investing in infrastructure, with over 440 road projects covering 2,700 kilometres nationwide, and has launched the Renewed Hope Work-Based Development Programme to empower communities across all 774 local government areas.
He urged state governments to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that diversification, innovation, and inclusivity are key to Nigeria’s long-term growth.
