ABUJA, July 24, 2025 – Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s far-reaching economic policies are being implemented with the interest of Nigerians at heart, describing the ongoing reforms as necessary steps toward building a robust and business-friendly environment.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), led by its National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, the Vice President assured the business community of the administration’s full support.
Shettima highlighted key reforms by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange rate system, and ongoing tax reforms. He praised President Tinubu’s resolve in pushing forward despite opposition, particularly from entrenched interests affected by the fuel subsidy withdrawal.
“The oil cabal is richer than the Nigerian nation. They fought back, but he refused to budge because what he did was in the best interest of Nigerians,” Shettima stated, adding that Nigeria is now ready for serious business.
The Vice President emphasized the need for strong public-private collaboration, describing the business sector as the driver of national transformation. “You are the drivers of change. This is how great nations build,” he told the NACCIMA delegation.
He further noted that Tinubu’s background in the private sector as a former financial controller at Mobil equips him with firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges of business operations.
Earlier, Engr. Ibrahim, who emerged as NACCIMA’s President at the association’s 65th Annual General Meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State, commended Shettima’s leadership as chairman of critical national economic bodies. He called for the inclusion of private sector voices in major government policy councils and proposed regular engagements with the Vice President’s office to foster sustainable national development.
“National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and private sector,” Ibrahim said, emphasizing that private enterprises remain the engine of economic growth.
The meeting underscored growing calls from the organized private sector for deeper involvement in shaping Nigeria’s economic policy direction, particularly at a time when the country is undergoing structural reforms.
