Vice President Kashim Shettima says Tinubu’s economic reforms are rebuilding Nigeria’s financial structure and laying the foundation for long-term economic stability despite current challenges.

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Tinubu’s economic reforms are rebuilding Nigeria’s financial structure and laying the foundation for long-term economic stability despite current challenges.

By Chisom Adaeze

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stating that the policies are gradually rebuilding Nigeria’s financial structure and laying the foundation for long-term economic stability.

Speaking during a recent engagement on the country’s economic outlook, Shettima said the administration inherited significant fiscal challenges, including rising debt burdens, subsidy-related pressures, foreign exchange instability, and declining public revenues. According to him, the current reforms are designed to address structural weaknesses that have affected Nigeria’s economy for years.

The Vice President explained that key policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy and reforms within the foreign exchange market, were necessary to prevent deeper economic problems and restore confidence in the nation’s financial system.

He acknowledged that many Nigerians are currently facing economic hardship due to inflation and the rising cost of living but insisted that the reforms are intended to create a more sustainable economy capable of attracting investment, boosting productivity, and improving government revenue generation.

Shettima added that the administration remains focused on strengthening critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy while reducing dependence on borrowing and inefficient spending.

Government officials have repeatedly argued that previous economic practices placed heavy pressure on national finances, limiting the country’s ability to invest effectively in development projects and social services.

Despite growing criticism from labour groups, opposition parties, and citizens concerned about worsening living conditions, the presidency maintains that the reforms are already beginning to produce positive signs, including improved investor confidence and efforts to stabilise the naira.

Economic analysts, however, continue to debate the pace and impact of the reforms, with some warning that stronger social intervention measures may be needed to cushion the effects on ordinary Nigerians.

As the administration pushes forward with its economic agenda, public attention remains focused on whether the reforms will translate into visible improvements in jobs, inflation control, and living standards in the coming months.