Shettima defends govt policies amid hardship

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the policies implemented by the Federal Government amid the hardship Nigerians are currently facing.

Many Nigerians, especially the poor, have struggled under President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in Abuja on May 29, 2023.

One of Tinubu’s first actions as president was to end the fuel subsidy.

His administration also made the controversial decision to overhaul the foreign exchange system in an effort to strengthen the naira.

However, these economic reforms, instead of improving Nigeria’s situation, have inflicted severe hardship on citizens, particularly the poor.

The removal of the fuel subsidy, which caused a rise in transportation costs, has negatively impacted food prices, leaving many Nigerians struggling to survive.

Amid the hardship, Shettima, speaking during the 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, expressed empathy for the citizens, especially the poor.

The Vice President also defended the administration’s economic policies and outlined the steps taken to improve the economy.

“Some of the policy decisions, the policy options available, are painful, but they are almost inevitable,” Shettima said.

“My heart and the heart of President Bola Tinubu go out to the Nigerian people. We empathise with what the poor and the young are going through in the Nigerian nation, but we have no option.

“Some of these decisions are unpopular, but the truth is often what people prefer not to hear.”