We’ll overcome our economic challenges, Shettima assures

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed the hope that with collective efforts in developing a clear and actionable roadmap through short-term, medium, and long-term strategies, Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges.

He said this while delivering his opening speech titled, “It’s Time To Speed Up Our Prosperity Quest” during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

Vice President Shettima told council members that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu desires that they all stand together to collectively proffer solutions to safeguard the nation’s economy from imminent implosion. He called for sound economic decisions that will reverberate with the expectations of Nigerians, noting that the citizens are only keen on tangible results.

The VP stated: “Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while economic experts foresaw this transitional phase on our journey to a flourishing future, it is crucial to recognize that the ordinary citizen on the street is not concerned with any economic theory. Their daily concerns are anchored in the tangible.

“They are more invested in the price of maize than the predictions of GDP. So, as we deliberate on intricate economic strategies today, let us remain attuned to the heartbeat of the nation. We must ensure that our decisions resonate with the aspirations of the common man and woman who entrust us with their hopes and dreams.”

Acknowledging that the country is in the midst of a pervasive emergency, VP Shettima implored state governors, ministers and other NEC members to align their minds and actions with the reality on the ground.

The Vice President regretted that Nigeria had been a victim of strong averseness to evolving and keeping up with the changing global economic order, leading to a situation where making difficult decisions to maximize its potential has become inevitable,

“We must either redirect the economy towards a place of boom and competitiveness or brace for an impact we are unlikely to survive. So, beyond the heritage of our financial and monetary fiascos, we must compare notes to understand the interconnectedness of the dysfunctions in each sector of the economy,” he stated.