By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday met Nigerians living in the United States at Nigeria House in New York. He urged them to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and help transform Nigeria’s economy. The meeting, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), focused on economic reforms, investment, education, security and national development.
Shettima Seeks Diaspora Support for Nigeria
Shettima said Nigerians abroad have a vital role in Nigeria’s development. He described the diaspora community as a major resource for the country’s future.
According to him, Nigeria has the human capital needed to unlock its economic potential.
“Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potentials and take it to greater heights,” he said.
The Vice President said the Federal Government is repositioning key sectors of the economy. These sectors include education, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology.
He added that the government would continue to engage Nigerians in the diaspora. Their knowledge and experience, he said, can support national development.
VP Highlights Economic Reforms
Shettima also highlighted reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration since May 2023.
He said President Tinubu made difficult decisions instead of blaming previous administrations. According to him, those decisions have helped reposition the Nigerian economy.
“When President Tinubu assumed office, he did not resort to trading blames,” Shettima said.
“He took decisions that only a leader of courage and conviction would take.”
The Vice President said the reforms are producing measurable economic changes. He cited foreign reserves and economic growth as examples.
He said Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen from $3.9 billion to more than $55 billion.
Shettima also cited a 4.45 percent economic growth rate recorded in the last quarter.
Government Targets Stronger Diaspora Investments
The Vice President linked improved economic conditions to diaspora investments and remittances.
He said stronger foreign reserves could support exchange-rate stability. He also said the reforms would help protect diaspora remittances and investments.
Furthermore, Shettima said Nigeria is positioning itself for a new era of economic growth.
“We are working day and night to reposition the Nigerian nation as investment confidence is returning to Nigeria,” he said.
He also pointed to the Dangote Refinery as an example of recent economic developments.
Shettima assured Nigerians abroad that the country remains open to business and investment.
Shettima Highlights Education Loan Programme
The Vice President also discussed the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He said more than 1.29 million tertiary students have accessed education loans. According to him, the programme has provided over N125 billion since its inception.
The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to expand access to tertiary education.
Vice President Addresses Security Challenges
Shettima also addressed Nigeria’s security challenges during the meeting.
He acknowledged that security concerns affect several countries around the world. However, he said the Federal Government continues to deploy available resources against emerging threats.
He urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
According to Shettima, Nigerians must focus on what unites them.
“Whatever binds us together supersedes whatever divides us as a people,” he said.
Top Government Officials Attend Meeting
Several senior government officials and political leaders attended the engagement.
They included Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq.
Others included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, also attended the event.
Several ministers were present, including Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Other ministers included Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Kingsley Udeh and Education Minister Tunji Alausa.
Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Minister Bernard Doro also attended.
Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake and Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim were also present.
Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite attended the meeting.
Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Bunkure was also among the participants.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, attended as well.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Kayode Are, and other government officials were also present.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the Federal Government to engage Nigerians abroad. It also highlighted the diaspora community’s potential role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
