Despite the extreme economic hardships and pains being endured by Nigerians, the ongoing reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have been praised by Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Nigeria’s number two man has been busy drumming support for what he has described as the Tinubu administration’s efforts to revive the economy and put it on the path of growth and prosperity. The Vice President who represented the President at the gathering of global leaders, business executives, and policy makers spoke glowingly about the ongoing reforms.
In different interviews granted to Channels and Arise TV, monitored by The Explainer, Shettima said he was on a mission to showcase Nigeria’s achievements and potentials, as well as to seek partnerships and collaborations that would benefit the nation. He said: “With Tinubu at the helm of affairs, we have never had it good in terms of governance. He mandated me to go and sell the Nigerian dream and I am here to showcase Nigeria to you all,” Shettima said. The Vice President added that Nigeria’s presence at the conference was very essential, as the country is the most populous and the largest economy in Africa, and a key player in the continent’s development.
“Nigeria represents Africa, the most populous nation in Africa, it has its largest economy. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. So, we have to be in Davos to sell the Nigerian brand because wherever Nigeria goes, that is where Africa goes,” he said.
Shettima also emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s population, which he said was a vital asset for the country’s growth and prosperity. His words: “I appreciate, I applaud, I celebrate the success stories of Botswana, Mauritius and even of Rwanda but when you look at the size, what is the population of Botswana? 2.6 million people. What is the population of Mauritius? 1.3 million, even Rwanda has a population of 14.9 million people; all are not bigger than metropolitan Kano. So, the population of Nigeria is essential,” he said.
Shettima, who left Abuja for Davos on Monday, said he had fruitful interactions with various stakeholders, including business leaders, investors, and policy makers, and that he was confident that Nigeria’s efforts would pay off. He said he was proud to represent Nigeria and Africa at the global stage and that he hoped to bring back positive outcomes for the country.
“I am here to sell the Nigerian dream and I am proud to do so. Nigeria is a great nation and we have a lot to offer to the world. I hope to bring back good news and good results for our people,” he said. Shettima’s performance at Davos was widely praised by the international media and observers, who hailed him for the directness with which he pushed a positive narrative of the plans of the Tinubu administration. However, back home, Nigerians have continued to groan about the deep economic pains occasioned by the reforms. Worse still, the recently passed 2024 budget has inspired very little hope on account of provisions, which indicated little priority being placed on expenditures, which would directly impact the ordinary citizen.
Also, on the security front, there has been an upsurge in kidnapping and armed banditry, pointing at a failure of the security architecture to deal decisively with the resurgent wave of violent criminality plaguing Africa’s largest economy. In the end, beyond the VP’s glowing words about the big dreams of the Tinubu administration, Nigerians are desperate for the government to ease the economic burdens and decisively address the chronic insecurity stalking the land. Only then, will the reforms make any meaning to citizens on the ground.
