UNGA81: Shettima Seeks Diaspora Support for Nigeria’s Economic Transformation

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians living abroad, particularly those in the United States, to support the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the nation’s economy.
Shettima made the call while addressing Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The engagement focused on Diaspora participation in national development, investment and skills transfer, as well as their role in promoting Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.
Shettima said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was taking steps to reposition the economy in key sectors, including education, health, science and technology and agriculture.
He said the government would continue to draw on the knowledge and expertise of Nigerians in the Diaspora, describing the community as “the greatest resource of the future”.
“Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potentials and take it to greater heights,” he said.
The Vice President said Tinubu had taken bold decisions since assuming office, rather than blaming his predecessor for the challenges facing the country.
“When President Tinubu assumed office, he did not resort to trading blames and accusing his predecessor for the state of affairs of our nation.
“Rather, he took decisions that only a leader of courage and conviction would take,” he said.
Shettima said the reforms were yielding results, citing growth in foreign reserves and the economy.
He said the country’s foreign reserves had risen from 3.9 billion dollars to more than 55 billion dollars, while the economy recorded 4.45 per cent growth in the last quarter.
According to him, improved exchange rate conditions and higher foreign reserves would help safeguard Diaspora remittances, promote exchange rate stability and support investments by Nigerians abroad.
He said the administration was working to redefine modern governance and position Nigeria to take advantage of emerging global economic opportunities.
“We are working day and night to reposition the Nigerian nation as investment confidence is returning to Nigeria, and the Dangote Refinery success story is a true manifestation in recent times.
“Be rest assured that beyond the negative stories that you hear and see on social media, Nigeria is open for business. We have crossed the rubicon, and we are on the path of sustained growth,” Shettima said.
On education, he said more than 1.29 million students in tertiary institutions had accessed N125 billion through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) since its inception.
Shettima also addressed the country’s security challenges, saying the government was deploying all available resources to tackle emerging threats.
He called for national unity, urging Nigerians to work together for the progress and prosperity of the country.
“Whatever binds us together supersedes whatever divides us as a people,” he said.
Shettima was accompanied by Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno; Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara; Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers; and Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.
Others were Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, among others.
The Vice President is expected to present President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate of the UNGA later on Thursday.
The statement is expected to highlight Nigeria’s position on major global issues and the administration’s priorities on reform, development, peace and international cooperation.