VP Shettima: Nigeria’s Economic Reset is Over, Time for Growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the toughest parts of Nigeria's economic reset by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are done. He believes this sets the stage for a time of growth and prosperity across the country.

He mentioned that the tough reforms were painful but necessary. These changes, he said, are the foundation for better days ahead. The next phase will bring real benefits to the people.

Shettima spoke on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, at the APC presidential campaign rally. He called on the people to support the re-election of President Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, and other APC candidates for the 2027 elections. He described them as trustworthy leaders.

The Vice President stated that since the hard work of the economic reset is complete, no other political party can change the country’s economic path. He promised that a second term for Tinubu will focus on delivering real rewards for everyone in Nigeria.

“We are confident of this promise to deliver for this nation because we have already done the most difficult job of economic reset. None of the other options available has the capacity to move the needle of the economy. We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians.

“I therefore stand before you today to ask you, once again, to renew the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and myself as Vice President. And another term for Senator Bassey Edet Otu and Hon. Peter Odey as Governor and Deputy Governor of Cross River State, respectively,” he stated.

The Vice President emphasized that the APC and Nigerians share a bond for progress and dignity. He said the focus of every decision should be the people.

He pointed out that the Tinubu administration and the APC want to continue their work for a second term. He said power belongs to the people, and those who hold it must account for their actions and present a plan that deserves trust.

Shettima praised the APC in Cross River State for maintaining unity and vision. He noted that their discipline has shown in how they govern.

He said when the administration started in 2023, they knew they had to open Cross River State to the world, leading to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

“This is the wisdom behind the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This transformative infrastructure project will connect coastal communities. It will ease the movement of goods and people. It will expand tourism. It will attract investors and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Our vision is for Cross River to become a major beneficiary of this economic revolution,” he stated.

The VP also mentioned that the Bakassi Deep Sea Port has received federal government support under President Tinubu. He promised to make it a key maritime gateway.

This gateway, he said, will attract shipping companies, create jobs, promote industrial growth, and open many economic opportunities for businesses and households.

He added that making Calabar the location for the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat will boost the state's visibility and economic activities. It will create jobs and improve tourism.

Shettima assured that the federal government knows about Cross River’s coastal status. He also said the government is ready to resolve the issue over 46 oil wells to strengthen the state’s maritime identity.

He confirmed that the administration is committed to enhancing participation in the blue economy and maritime investments.

On education, the Vice President said Cross River is getting its share of education funds through NELFUND. This helps parents, supports students, and widens access to higher education.

He insisted that no parent should see their children’s talents fade due to lack of funds. He said this initiative aligns with Project HOPE Education for better learning and school management.

He urged that the administration has more work to do. He called for continuity with accountability, saying citizens should not avoid asking questions to show support.

He promised that the government will prioritize the people's needs, listen to their hardships, respond to neglect, and fix what is wrong. The People Are the Purpose.

Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Nentanwe Yilwatda, urged Cross River residents to support the party in the elections. He said President Tinubu is a change agent who deserves re-election for many reasons.

He listed projects like the Deep Sea Port, Calabar Port, and Trans-Saharan Super Highway as reasons to support the APC in the 2027 presidential election.

In his welcome speech, Governor Otu praised President Tinubu for his leadership during tough times. He highlighted the president’s policies in agriculture, education, and security.

The governor assured that the people of Cross River will support Tinubu’s re-election, noting that the benefits of the administration’s reforms are already showing.

The Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, said President Tinubu has done well and deserves another term. He dismissed claims that the northern part of Nigeria would not back the president’s re-election.

Earlier, during a visit to the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Otu, the vice president said he came to share the party's plans for the 2027 elections and to honor the traditional institution.

He praised the Obong for his commitment to preserving the culture and values of the Efik people.

Governor Otu asked for royal blessings and support for the APC and the federal government.

The Obong of Calabar thanked his guests for the visit and their requests for recognition. He said the visit marked the start of greater unity among traditional rulers and called for peace among leaders and the people.

He also praised the reforms of the Tinubu administration, calling the president a man willing to take on tough reforms for the long-term benefit of Nigeria.