VP Shettima: Supporting local enterprises key to Nigeria’s economic growth

…vice president celebrates SecureID’s 20-year milestone in manufacturing and tech solutions

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to supporting Nigerian enterprises, describing them as vital drivers of a sustainable and prosperous economy.

Speaking during a tour of the SecureID Smartcard and Digital Solutions Facility in Lagos on Monday, Shettima commended the company for two decades of excellence in manufacturing and digital innovation.

He praised SecureID as a prime example of Nigeria’s industrial and technological potential, having grown from a local startup into a continental leader capable of producing 200 million cards annually, including international passports and voter ID cards.

“This enterprise reflects the promise of what our nation can achieve when innovation is nurtured and supported,” Shettima said.

“SecureID has demonstrated that with vision, dedication, and hard work, Nigerian businesses can compete globally.”

Highlighting the critical role of businesses in national development, the Vice President emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on fostering a thriving business environment to drive economic growth.

“The health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy,” Shettima noted. “We can no longer afford to pay lip service to supporting businesses, regardless of their scale.”

He pointed to several government initiatives aimed at spurring industrial growth, including fiscal reforms and the Manufacturing Sector Fund, designed to encourage investment in key industries.

These measures, according to Shettima, are part of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and ensure that companies like SecureID continue to thrive and contribute to national development.

“SecureID is proof that Nigeria is not just a consumer nation but a creator of world-class solutions,” he added.

“This is the benchmark we must uphold to transform our economy, create opportunities, and improve the living standards of millions of Nigerians.”

Reiterating the government’s support for local businesses, Shettima assured that the administration remains committed to fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.

“We will continue to support enterprises by ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to succeed in a business-friendly environment,” he pledged.

A key highlight of the event was the Vice President’s tour of SecureID’s state-of-the-art production facility, accompanied by Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and other dignitaries.

Among those present were SecureID’s Group Managing Director, Kofo Akinkugbe, and Chairman, Dotun Suleiman. Other notable attendees included the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Olasupo Olusi; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Kayode Opeifa; the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Francis Meshioye; and representatives from commercial banks.