Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration's bold policy decisions are aimed at securing long-term benefits for Nigerians.
Shettima made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) led by its National President, Mr. Jani Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking on the state of the economy, the Vice President said Tinubu's administration had taken courageous steps to reposition Nigeria's economic landscape, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange rate, and introduction of key tax reforms.
"I can assure you that Nigeria is ready for business, and you [the private sector] are the drivers of change. I plead guilty to romancing with the business community and the manufacturing and productive sectors. This is how great nations are built; this is how Korea became what it is," Shettima said.
He emphasised that Tinubu's leadership speaks "the language of commerce," noting the president's background as a financial executive and his longstanding understanding of business ecosystems.
The vice president hailed the removal of fuel subsidy as a courageous act that past administrations had avoided, saying,
"While the fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive administrations, he [Tinubu] had the courage and conviction to remove it. The oil cabal fought back, but he stood his ground because he acted in the best interest of Nigerians."
In his remarks, NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim applauded Shettima's role as chair of several key national economic institutions, including the National Economic Council (NEC), the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
He emphasized the importance of private-sector participation in shaping Nigeria's economic trajectory and proposed regular engagement between the government and the organised private sector.
"National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and the private sector. We recognise the private sector as the engine of growth while the government sets the enabling framework," Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim also recommended biannual consultative sessions with the vice president's office and called for the inclusion of private-sector representatives in key decision-making councils, especially those focused on trade, industry, privatisation, and SMEs.
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