Nigerians should commend Tinubu for economic reforms

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu deserves commendation, not condemnation, for the economic reforms introduced by his administration.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit held in Asaba, the state capital.

He also praised Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for backing the administration’s reform agenda, noting that the former central bank governor showed courage during the 2023 election period.

According to Shettima, Soludo defied the “direction of the wind” by telling Nigerians that the presidential election would not be won through “blackmail and intimidation” but through “grassroot support”.

The vice-president said Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved significantly since the Tinubu administration assumed office, particularly in terms of capital flows.

“Professor Soludo, you have done a lot of things for the federal government, especially in informing Nigerians where we were coming from — from reserves of $3 billion,” he said.

“When we were experiencing capital plight and scarcity, now we are experiencing capital inflows.

“Our foreign reserves have gone up to over $52 billion and counting in a turbulent world. Even the president deserves commendation and not condemnation.”

Shettima added that the federal government is committed to supporting credible investments and will continue working with state governments to eliminate barriers to enterprise.

Data shows that Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $35.09 billion as of May 29, 2023. By June 2026, the reserves had risen to $51.03 billion—the highest level recorded since January 20, 2009.