VP Kashim Shettima
The administration under President Tinubu has acknowledged that some of its new policies may cause discomfort but believes they are necessary.
Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, expressed understanding for the struggles faced by the less fortunate, emphasizing that certain economic strategies are unavoidable.
His comments were made during the celebration of the Nigerian Economic Summit’s 30th anniversary in Abuja.
Defending the current government’s economic initiatives, Shettima outlined various measures aimed at enhancing the nation’s economy.
He remarked, “Some of the policy choices may be uncomfortable, but they are largely unavoidable.”
“Both President Bola Tinubu and I share compassion for the Nigerian populace. We recognize the challenges faced by the youth and the impoverished, but we have little choice,” he added.
“Many of these actions might not be welcomed, yet often the truth is what people prefer to avoid.”
Further discussing the situation, the vice president noted the fluctuating nature of Nigeria’s economic growth, indicating a heavy dependency on oil revenues.
“Nigeria, similar to numerous other countries, has encountered severe economic difficulties in recent years. These challenges stem from both global and local issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, oil price volatility, security concerns, inflation, and fundamental weaknesses in our economic framework.
“The pattern of growth in Nigeria remains unstable, largely tied to oil income and struggling to generate sufficient employment,” he concluded.