Vice-President Kashim Shettima has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the administration deserves commendation rather than condemnation for the measures introduced to reposition Nigeria’s economy.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday during the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba, where he said the reforms were beginning to yield positive results through increased investment and stronger foreign reserves.

‘Tinubu Deserves Commendation’

The Vice-President said the current administration inherited a difficult economic situation but has made significant progress despite global economic uncertainty.

Addressing Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the summit, Shettima praised the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor for explaining the country’s economic realities to Nigerians.

“Professor Soludo, you have done a lot of things for the Federal Government, especially in informing Nigerians where we were coming from, from reserves of $3 billion.

“When we were experiencing capital flight and scarcity, now we are experiencing capital inflows.

“Our foreign reserves have gone up to over $52 billion and counting in a turbulent world. Even the President deserves commendation and not condemnation,” he said.

Commends Soludo’s Support

Shettima also commended Soludo for publicly backing the Federal Government’s reform agenda, recalling that the governor maintained his position even when it was unpopular during the 2023 election campaigns.

According to him, Soludo believed the presidential election would be decided by grassroots support rather than “blackmail and intimidation.”

Assures Investors

The Vice-President assured local and foreign investors that the Federal Government would continue implementing policies aimed at improving the business environment.

He said the Tinubu administration would keep working with state governments to eliminate barriers to investment and encourage economic growth across the country.