ABUJA — Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, saying the administration took difficult decisions to prevent Nigeria’s economy from collapsing.
Shettima said the Tinubu administration inherited an economy facing serious challenges and had to introduce major reforms to address the situation.
The Vice-President’s comments were contained in a report published by Vanguard on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
According to Shettima, some of the decisions taken by the administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and reforms to the foreign exchange system, were necessary despite the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians.
He acknowledged that the reforms have created hardship for citizens but maintained that the difficult period would not continue indefinitely.
The Vice-President said the administration’s economic direction was focused on stabilising the country’s finances and creating conditions for long-term economic growth.
The Tinubu administration removed the petrol subsidy shortly after assuming office in 2023, while subsequent reforms were introduced in the foreign exchange market.
The reforms have remained central to discussions around Nigeria’s economy, with the government maintaining that they are necessary to create a more sustainable economic structure.
Shettima’s latest comments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the performance of the Tinubu administration expected to remain a major issue in political campaigns and public discussions.
The Vice-President said Nigerians would eventually see the benefits of the reforms as the economy continues to adjust to the government’s policies.
