Shettima asks Nigerians abroad to support Tinubu's plans

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians living abroad, especially in the United States, to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's efforts to improve the country's economy.

He said the government is working hard to change the economy, focusing on education, health, science and technology, and agriculture. He believes the skills of the diaspora community are vital. According to him, they are “the greatest resource of the future.”

“Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potentials and take it to greater heights,” Mr Shettima added.

He spoke on Wednesday at the Nigeria House in New York during a meeting with Nigerians in the United States.

This information comes from a press release by Stanley Nkwocha, the senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, dated 4 September, 2026.

Mr Shettima also talked about the reforms made by the current government. He said President Tinubu has shown bravery since taking office, making bold decisions to improve the economy.

“When President Tinubu assumed office, he did not resort to trading blames and accusing his predecessor for the state of affairs of our nation. Rather, he took decisions that only a leader of courage and conviction would take.”

He added that these reforms are already showing positive results. He pointed out that the country’s foreign reserves have grown from 3.9 billion dollars to over 55 billion dollars, and there was a 4.45 percent growth in the last quarter.

He said the improvements in the exchange rate and foreign reserves will help protect money sent back home by Nigerians abroad, ensuring stability in the exchange rate and investments from the diaspora.

Mr Shettima emphasized that Tinubu's government aims to change the way modern governance works in Nigeria. He believes Africa is facing a new phase of growth, and Nigeria has a significant role to play in this.

According to Mr Shettima, “We are working day and night to reposition the Nigerian nation as investment confidence is returning to Nigeria, and the Dangote Refinery success story is a true manifestation in recent times.

“Be rest assured that beyond the negative stories that you hear and see in the social media, Nigeria is open for business. We have crossed the rubicon, and we are on the path of sustained growth.”

He also discussed the Nigeria Education Loan Fund. Since its start, over 1.29 million Nigerian students in higher education have received N125 billion from this program.

On security issues, Mr Shettima acknowledged that these challenges are not unique to Nigeria. He assured that the government is using all available resources to tackle these problems.

He called on all citizens to work towards a united and successful nation. He stressed that Nigerians must come together for their country’s progress, stating that “whatever binds us together supersedes whatever divides us as a people.”