From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s economy is on a recovery path, attributing this progress to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic policies.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima made the remarks while speaking at a retreat for presidential aides in Abuja. He noted, “Despite the challenges, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, and I believe our economy will grow in leaps and bounds in the coming year.”
Shettima emphasised the importance of collaboration among presidential aides to support Tinubu’s mandate, stating, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to change the fortunes of the nation. We all want to bequeath to the younger generation a united and progressive country.”
“Yes, the economy has faced challenges, but we have turned the corner. As of now, we are producing 1.8 million barrels of oil per day. The economy is on an upward trajectory, and I believe in the new year, the economy will grow in leaps and bounds.”
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape through reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, which are projected to drive 3.76% growth in 2024.
Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Hassan Hadejia, said the retreat was planned to enable aides to synergise ideas with a view to ensuring a seamless execution of tasks assigned to the office of the Vice President.
He said the essence of the retreat was to enhance strategic communication in the office, streamline project funding and partnership, improve collaboration and synergy within the office, and enhance collaboration with ministries, departments, and agencies.
In the same vein, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, commended the efforts of aides in the office, especially on tasks related to strategic communication, stressing the need for improved collaboration across the presidency.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Aliyu Moddibo Umar, implored the aides to avail the system of their “knowledge and expertise, be humble, and focus on the tasks at hand,” even as he said, “We need to deliver on the difficult task ahead. The primary thing is just the work.”
Also present at the retreat were the Permanent Secretary in the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua; senior aides in the office of the Vice President; directors and deputy directors in the Office of the Vice President, among others.