By Our Correspondent
National News – Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to fixing the country’s economic challenges.
He spoke at the Nasarawa Investment Summit 2026 held in Lafia, urging citizens to remain calm and support ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
Shettima explained that when Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria faced a severe fiscal crisis, with debt servicing consuming nearly all government revenue.
He said the administration responded with bold economic reforms targeting subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and improved revenue generation.
According to him, these measures are already yielding results, enabling states to fund infrastructure projects without excessive borrowing.
The Vice President emphasised that the government is building a production-driven economy that encourages enterprise, protects investments, and empowers states to become engines of growth.
He also called on Nigerians, regardless of political or ethnic differences, to support the administration’s long-term economic recovery plan.
Commending Governor Abdullahi Sule, Shettima noted that Nasarawa has become an attractive investment destination through consistent reforms and strategic planning.
He urged the governor to ensure continuity by laying strong institutional frameworks ahead of the 2027 political transition.
Sule, in his remarks, described the 2026 summit as a defining moment for the state’s economic future.
He said the event builds on previous editions that showcased Nasarawa’s resources and industrial potential, with a focus on sustaining reforms beyond individual leadership.
A major highlight of the summit was the “Lafia Declaration,” a commitment by stakeholders—including political actors and investors—to maintain policy stability and protect investments after 2027.
Officials said the initiative aims to boost investor confidence and guarantee continuity.
The summit also showcased key projects such as agro-industrial hubs, power initiatives, and infrastructure development plans.
Organisers reported that Nasarawa has attracted over $2 billion in investments and created more than 50,000 jobs in the past seven years.
