- Charges Akume, Alia to mend fences in Benue
By Chesa Chesa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday said Nigeria’s economic reforms were beginning to yield results, with inflation moderating and the naira strengthening, as he called on party faithful to take the administration’s message of “renewed hope” to communities across the country.
Speaking at the (Progressive Governors Forum (PGF)–Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja, Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said the administration had chosen “the path of honesty and discipline” from the outset by confronting deep-rooted structural distortions in the economy.
“In so doing, we have restored fiscal credibility, stabilised the economy and set the foundation for long-term economic growth,” he said.
The Vice President noted that inflationary pressures were easing, oil prices had stabilised and the national currency was gaining strength. He disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria intervened in the foreign exchange market to maintain stability, adding that the naira could approach N1,000 to the dollar in the coming weeks if current trends continue.
He also cited growing investor confidence, stating that five of the seven major investment decisions taken in Africa last year were in Nigeria, which he said underscored the country’s economic potential.
Shettima announced the administration would shift from economic stabilisation to acceleration in 2026, anchored on a proposed N58.18 trillion budget. He described the budget as featuring record capital expenditure, the largest allocation to national security in Nigeria’s history and prudent revenue projections aimed at strengthening resilience while scaling growth.
The Vice President highlighted landmark tax reforms designed to protect vulnerable citizens, encourage enterprise and promote transparency in public finance, while noting that a recent Executive Order on remittances to the federation account was intended to safeguard public revenues, eliminate duplication and curb waste.
Shettima stressed that reforms would only succeed with public understanding and participation, describing the Renewed Hope Ambassadors platform as a key vehicle for civic engagement.
“Ambassadors must explain why tough decisions have to be made and how they link to jobs, security, enterprise and opportunity,” he said. “They must counter misinformation with facts and replace rumour with evidence.”
He commended Hope Uzodimma, Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, and his team for coordinating the initiative, urging members to move beyond conference halls into wards, markets, farms and campuses to engage directly with citizens.
“Elections are not conducted on social media platforms. Elections are conducted by Nigerians who vote in their own language,” he said.
In a separate appeal, Shettima called for reconciliation between Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia. He urged both leaders to “mend fences” and work together for peace and development in Benue State.
Describing Akume as one of the longest-serving public officials in the current dispensation, Shettima appealed to him as an elder statesman to reach out in the interest of unity.
“Benue deserves peace. Benue deserves development,” he said, adding that national unity must take precedence over divisions.
Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., the Vice President said, “We either learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,” stressing that Nigeria must seize emerging global growth opportunities facing Africa.
