VP Shettima claims Tinubu's reforms prevented economic collapse, cites upcoming relief measures

VP Kashim Shettima stated Saturday that President Tinubu's economic policies prevented Nigeria from sliding into deeper crisis, speaking after their first public meeting since Tinubu returned from Europe and Shettima from UNGA in New York. Shettima claimed foreign reserves were below $3.9 billion when Tinubu assumed office—insufficient to import fuel for one month—and credited the administration's 'courage and conviction' for removing fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates, saying 'the economy was actually on the verge of collapse. He saved the economy.'

Shettima acknowledged current hardships but outlined specific government interventions rolling out in coming weeks: an e-logistics scheme for the North-West, 10,600 electric tricycles for the North-East to ease transportation pains, and 300 buses and e-taxis nationwide. He said these aim to ameliorate suffering while noting 'tough times do not last forever; tough people do.' The VP made these remarks while defending Tinubu's record against opposition criticism from figures like Atiku Abubakar (ADC) who claims policies worsened poverty since 2023, and Peter Obi (NDC) who cites increased hardship amid hunger and insecurity.

The initiatives target regional pain points: e-logistics could streamline North-West supply chains, while electric tricycles address North-East transport challenges where fuel costs hit commuters hardest. With fuel currently at ₦617/liter nationally, these programs may offer alternatives if implemented as promised. Registration details or launch dates weren't specified, but Shettima emphasized interventions begin within weeks.

Will these targeted regional interventions meaningly reduce your transportation costs or improve access to goods, or should you prepare for continued hardship while awaiting rollout in your area?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/04/tinubu-saved-nigeria-from-economic-collapse-vp-shettima/