Speaking on Tuesday at the National Summit on Nutrition and Food Security in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the alarming figures highlight a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action. The summit was part of the House of Representatives’ Open Week and brought together lawmakers, development partners, and nutrition advocates to chart a path forward.

Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Shettima outlined the federal government’s efforts to tackle the crisis, including the rollout of the Nutrition 774 Initiative. This grassroots-focused program, endorsed by the National Council on Nutrition, aims to improve nutrition outcomes in all 774 local government areas, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

“Malnutrition is not just a health issue—it threatens our economic future, educational outcomes, and human capital development,” Shettima said. “We must stop viewing it as charity work and recognize it as a matter of justice and national security.”

He urged all levels of government to prioritize nutrition in their budgets and strengthen oversight to ensure funds translate into real improvements at the community level.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also addressed the gathering, warning that the economic toll of poor nutrition is immense. He noted that it costs Nigeria around 12.2% of its Gross National Income, equivalent to roughly $56 billion annually, while food losses after harvest contribute an additional $2 billion loss every year.

Abbas called for an end to the multiple levies imposed on food transporters, which drive up costs and worsen food insecurity. He also stressed the need for policy reforms that align federal, state, and local governments under a unified strategy.

Among new legislative measures under consideration are proposals for six months of maternity leave to support early childhood nutrition and a bill to regulate the sale of edible oils to improve public health standards.

Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Chike Okafor, highlighted that the consequences of malnutrition go beyond stunting and anemia, affecting national productivity and contributing to ongoing economic challenges. He announced ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of nutrition programs, curb wastage, and better allocate resources in collaboration with local and international partners.

Okafor also pointed to new tax reforms as a step toward reducing food inflation and improving access to nutritious foods nationwide.

In closing, Shettima and other speakers urged stakeholders to move beyond words to concrete actions, uniting behind a single national nutrition framework. “A nourished child is a foundation for a prosperous future,” Shettima concluded. “It is time to act—not tomorrow, but today.”

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Speaking through his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, at the 2025 Judges’ Workshop organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Abuja, Shettima stressed that the strength of Nigeria’s legal system plays a pivotal role in shaping investor confidence.

Capital Market Needs More Than Just Rules  It Needs Justice

According to the Vice President, a thriving capital market is not just about numbers and trades  it serves as the engine of national development, funding infrastructure, supporting small businesses, driving innovation, and reducing reliance on oil.

Shettima said:

“No investor will put money where their rights aren’t protected or where justice is delayed. The success of our capital market depends heavily on trust  and that trust is built on fairness, transparency, and judicial efficiency.”

He emphasized that the judiciary must deliver judgments that are timely, consistent, and grounded in financial literacy. Any cracks in the system, he warned, could open the door to risks that drive investors away.

ADR: A Smarter Way to Handle Financial Disputes

To reduce legal bottlenecks, Shettima called on the judiciary to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) tools like arbitration and mediation, especially for technical financial matters.

“While litigation remains valid,” he said, “ADR options can offer quicker, more specialized outcomes that reduce the pressure on courts and better reflect the complexities of modern finance.”

New Law Brings Fresh Energy to the Market

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, highlighted the recently passed Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as a bold step toward overhauling market regulations. The new law introduces tougher penalties for fraud, better corporate governance standards, and faster conflict resolution procedures.

Agama noted:

“ISA 2025 marks a new era. It reinforces trust, improves transparency, and strengthens Nigeria’s position on the global investment map.

He also explained that the Judges’ Workshop was designed to ensure legal officers fully understand and properly interpret the new law — a critical step, since court decisions set lasting precedents that affect investor behavior.

Judiciary Must Keep Pace with Market Changes

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Adah, reminded attendees that Nigeria’s capital market is no longer a theoretical concept — it’s now a real platform for financial empowerment.

She encouraged the judiciary to evolve with changing realities like digital assets, green financing, and global financial innovations, while still upholding the rule of law.

EFCC Targets Ponzi Schemes and Digital Fraud

In a related address, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, revealed that 58 unauthorized businesses running pyramid schemes have been charged to court, with several convictions already secured. He warned that digital asset scams are becoming more sophisticated, and urged judges to stay updated with financial crime trends.

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The inauguration ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, marks a significant step in the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to promote economic inclusion and remove barriers that have long constrained small businesses.

Describing the NCGC as “a critical engine in our pursuit of economic inclusion and sustainable growth,” Shettima noted that the company will serve as a financial catalyst, offering credit guarantees to reduce the risks faced by banks and other lenders. This, he said, would enable productive Nigerians—including farmers, artisans, traders, and tech entrepreneurs—to access affordable credit without the burden of collateral constraints.

“This company will ensure that a farmer in Ibadan or a startup in Abuja is not denied opportunity simply for lack of guarantees,” the Vice President declared.

The NCGC, established by President Bola Tinubu and announced on May 29, 2025, is expected to act as a bridge between financial institutions and underserved businesses by de-risking loans and stimulating private sector lending.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, was appointed as Chairman of the Board, while Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo will serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Other key board members include Mrs. Tinoula Aigwedo (Executive Director of Strategy and Operations), Dr. Ezekiel Oseni (Executive Director of Risk Management), and Ms. Yeside Kazeem (Independent Non-Executive Director).

Representatives from major financial institutions and government bodies—such as the Bank of Industry, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated—are also part of the board.

In his remarks, Dogara praised the establishment of the company as a means of democratizing economic opportunity, noting that access to credit is a vital component of meaningful citizenship in a functional democracy.

Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, underscored that the NCGC reflects the collaborative effort of national and international stakeholders, including the World Bank, to implement structural economic reforms that empower small businesses and drive job creation.

With MSMEs contributing nearly 50% of Nigeria’s GDP, the NCGC is projected to unlock financing that supports innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth. It is expected to serve as a long-term mechanism for enhancing credit access, strengthening value chains, and expanding private sector participation in Nigeria’s evolving financial ecosystem.

Concluding the ceremony, Vice President Shettima formally declared the board inaugurated, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic development through targeted financial reforms.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima made this disclosure at the opening of the Decarbonizing Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The summit focused on mobilising climate finance and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to sustainable infrastructure.

“We can no longer delay. Climate action is not just about protecting the environment—it is an economic necessity,” Shettima said. He warned that inaction in the face of growing climate threats could jeopardise the nation’s development and long-term economic viability.

According to Shettima, over 75 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from infrastructure-heavy sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban development. With the population projected to reach over 440 million by 2050, the Vice President stressed that without decisive intervention, resource pressures and environmental degradation would intensify.

“To decarbonise is to invest in Nigeria’s prosperity,” he asserted, adding that the green energy hubs would be a critical step toward reducing emissions while supporting inclusive growth.

The Vice President outlined several federal initiatives that align with the national climate goals, including the rollout of regional climate engagement clinics, a State Innovation Challenge Park, and the upcoming release of a white paper on green growth financing. These efforts, he said, are designed to build climate resilience while driving innovation and local participation.

“Our transition must reach every state, every community, and every home,” Shettima said, highlighting the need for inclusive planning and decentralised implementation of green initiatives.

He also called for harmonised policies across federal, state, and local governments, and urged the adoption of innovative financing instruments such as green bonds and climate investment funds to scale local solutions and technologies.

“Our goal is net-zero,” he declared. “But the journey must begin now—with urgency, inclusion, and bold action.”

The planned $60 million investment, if secured, would mark a significant shift toward clean energy infrastructure, aligning Nigeria with global sustainability trends while addressing its domestic energy and climate adaptation challenges.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima made the disclosure at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria (DIN) Summit held in Abuja, where he emphasised the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems.

“Climate action is no longer a luxury but a critical economic imperative,” Shettima declared. “Nigeria cannot afford to build yesterday’s infrastructure for tomorrow. If we don’t act decisively, we risk being sidelined in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

A key highlight of the summit was the government’s plan to transform the Onne Port in Rivers State into the country’s first fully green port. Discussions are underway with private sector investors to commit $60 million towards electrifying the port using a hybrid energy model that eliminates diesel dependence.

“This initiative marks a strategic shift,” the Vice President said. “With hybrid energy, we can cut emissions, reduce operational costs, and ensure uninterrupted, clean power for terminal operators and port users.”

According to Shettima, 75 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from infrastructure-related sectors — including energy, transportation, agriculture, and urban development. These sectors, he said, must be decarbonised if Nigeria hopes to meet its net-zero target by 2060.

He projected that effective implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and Climate Change Act could create over 1.5 million green jobs by 2035, expand climate-smart agriculture, and unlock new export markets for clean energy.

“This summit is not about wishful thinking,” Shettima noted. “It is about action. It’s about building a future where infrastructure doesn’t harm but heals — a Nigeria free of polluting generators and fragile power grids.”

The Vice President also announced the forthcoming launch of a Green Investment Portal, designed to connect investors with viable, climate-smart infrastructure projects. He called for urgent regulatory reforms and cross-sectoral policy alignment to accelerate green financing and innovation.

Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, stressed Nigeria’s disproportionate exposure to climate risks, despite its low contribution to global emissions. She identified renewable energy adoption, smart agriculture, and land-use reforms as key strategies for resilience and carbon sequestration.

Echoing these priorities, Musaddiq Mustapha Adamu, Personal Assistant to the President on Sub-national Infrastructure, affirmed the federal government’s commitment to empowering states and communities in climate adaptation and green growth.

“Today’s conversation is not just about emissions. It’s about inclusion, economic survival, and restoring hope through sustainable infrastructure,” Adamu said.

The DIN Summit brought together policymakers, private sector players, and international development partners to chart Nigeria’s path toward a climate-resilient and economically inclusive future.

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Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, Vice President Shettima was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Gedion Timothewos, and other senior government officials.

Shortly after the reception, the Vice President proceeded to a high-level meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The closed-door engagement focused on areas of mutual interest, including regional stability, trade expansion, and strategic partnerships between both countries.

Vice President Shettima also signed the official state guest register and was hosted on a guided tour of the Ethiopian National Palace Museum—an iconic symbol of the country’s imperial history and cultural heritage.

Housed within the Grand Palace complex, the museum showcases an extensive collection of historical artefacts, including vintage automobiles, royal regalia, and diplomatic gifts exchanged with world leaders. Built in 1955 to commemorate Emperor Haile Selassie’s Silver Jubilee, the palace served as his final residence before the 1974 revolution.

The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to reinforcing regional cooperation within Africa and marks another step toward building stronger bilateral relations with Ethiopia in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

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During a recent APC National Summit at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu received widespread endorsements from party leaders, governors, and lawmakers. However, Shettima’s name was conspicuously missing from the narrative. Although he was present at the event, he remained reserved, offering no public reaction as colleagues cheered on the president’s potential second term.

A similar atmosphere unfolded at a Northeast APC event in Gombe, where support for Tinubu was reaffirmed—again, without mention of the vice president. The event took a tense turn when some aggrieved attendees protested, leading to security forces evacuating party officials from the scene.

Sources close to the party suggest that internal rifts have emerged, particularly around the vice president’s perceived stance on the controversial tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly in 2023. The National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Shettima, had openly advised broader consultations before the bills were passed—a move some insiders considered a challenge to the president’s agenda. Critics within the party also point to Governor Babagana Zulum’s opposition to the tax reforms, linking it to Shettima due to their political alignment.

Observers have also noted that Tinubu has not transferred power to Shettima during his frequent overseas trips, opting instead to return to Nigeria before the constitutional 21-day window that would necessitate doing so. This has further fueled rumors of a growing divide.

The tension came into sharper focus recently in Uyo, where Shettima appeared to snub APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje during a reception event—an action that some interpreted as a silent protest against ongoing political maneuverings.

Insiders indicate that a search for a possible vice presidential replacement is underway, with names such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni, and Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya being floated. All are from the Northeast, suggesting the party may retain its current geopolitical zoning even if Shettima is dropped.

Political analysts argue that the situation, while fluid, reflects the evolving nature of Nigeria’s power dynamics. With over a year left before campaigns officially begin, much can still change.

For now, the question remains: will Vice President Shettima maintain his position on the 2027 ticket—or is the ruling party preparing to rewrite its political script? Only time, and the complex calculus of party politics, will tell.

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President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to set up policies that support green tourism and protect cultural sites.

He made this known in Abuja at the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting. His message was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu said Africa must work together to find real solutions that attract investors and improve tourism. These efforts, he said, can help African countries reach global development goals and improve their economies. He wants the continent to lead global talks about using tourism to boost growth.

The president said Nigeria supports tourism practices that protect the environment and respect local traditions. He urged other African countries to do the same.

According to him, working with groups like the African Union and ECOWAS can help. He said this teamwork should include joint training, shared marketing, and better travel links between African countries.

He explained that tourism is more than sightseeing. It brings people together, supports businesses, and creates jobs. Tinubu said new tools like artificial intelligence are already changing the tourism industry and giving Africa new chances to lead.

He praised Nigeria’s creative sectors like music, fashion, and movies for putting the country on the world map. Nollywood, he said, brings in money and jobs and shares African stories across the world. The president said that private businesses are key to growing tourism. He asked them to work closely with the government to build the sector.

Tourism Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa also spoke at the event. She said Nigeria is ready to help Africa grow its tourism industry through innovation and creativity. Musawa added that Africa has the talent to do more, but must use new tools to succeed. She said the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda is pushing Nigeria in the right direction.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili thanked the Nigerian government for its strong support. He said Africa is full of untapped tourism potential. But he also said the continent must fix travel barriers like difficult visa rules.

Senator Ireti Kingibe said Africa is not just joining the digital future it is helping shape it. She said Nigeria has the talent, culture, and energy to lead tourism in Africa. Kingibe also said it’s time to tell African stories and give more young people and women a voice in the industry.

The meeting closed with a shared message: if Africa works together, builds smart, and focuses on people, the tourism industry can bring lasting success to the continent.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the intervention during a condolence visit to the state on Wednesday. Addressing residents and government officials, he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathies and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to responding swiftly to the humanitarian crisis.

The flood, which began last week, left over 160 people dead and destroyed more than 100 homes. Many communities remain displaced as emergency response efforts continue.

“President Tinubu was deeply moved by the tragedy that unfolded here,” Shettima said. “He has mandated an immediate response to support the victims and help the affected communities begin rebuilding.”

As part of this directive, the sum of ₦2 billion has been allocated for the reconstruction of homes lost to the flood. Shettima also disclosed that Senator Abdullahi Sabi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and a native of Niger State, has been asked to temporarily relocate to Mokwa. His role will include overseeing the recovery efforts, coordinating the delivery of relief materials, and supervising the repair of critical infrastructure, including collapsed bridges.

In a statement during the visit, Shettima stressed that the administration remains focused on easing the burden faced by disaster-stricken families. “This support is not just financial—it’s a message of solidarity and hope for the people of Mokwa,” he added.

Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, speaking on behalf of the Niger State Government, described the disaster as a severe national emergency. He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its prompt intervention and praised local emergency teams and volunteers for their efforts.

Garba emphasized the importance of Mokwa as a strategic transportation hub, linking various regions of Nigeria. He noted that the destruction of four key bridges had further compounded the region’s difficulties and appealed for additional federal assistance to restore connectivity and economic activities.

He also called for gender-sensitive support measures, noting that women—many of whom lost their small businesses—require tailored assistance to rebuild their livelihoods.

Traditional leaders also lent their voices to the occasion. The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, offered prayers for the victims and thanked the federal authorities for acting swiftly.

He urged continued support for the completion of infrastructure projects, including the Mokwa bypass expressway, to speed up recovery and prevent future disruption.

As rebuilding efforts begin, residents remain hopeful that this federal intervention marks the start of lasting solutions to the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

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Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the inauguration of the oversight committee for the upcoming 4th African Union MSME Forum, Shettima said Nigeria is actively constructing “digital highways and bridges” to enable MSMEs access and thrive in the African market. The forum is set to take place in Abuja from June 23 to 27.

Highlighting key initiatives, Shettima noted that the government has launched a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk to support entrepreneurs in exporting services and digital products. He also cited the i-DICE programme — a $617.7 million investment in digital and creative enterprises — and the 3 Million Tech Talent initiative, which aims to train Nigerian youth in coding, data science, and digital literacy.

“We have reformed, we have invested, and we are resolved to see this transformation through,” Shettima said. “This forum is indispensable. It provides the blueprint, the platform, and the partnerships that will empower African MSMEs to become the heartbeat of our economic renewal.”

Chairman of the Organising Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the forum will promote knowledge exchange and foster pan-African collaboration in MSME development. He emphasized that the summit’s theme — “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access, and Affordable Financing for Africa” — aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing reform agenda.

Also speaking, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria’s selection to host the forum reflects the confidence of the international community in its commitment to creating an enabling business environment.

Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, and Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, both pledged support for MSME growth. Ambrose-Medebem revealed that Lagos, home to nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s MSMEs, is providing easier access to funding through the N10 billion LASMECO finance scheme in partnership with the Bank of Industry.

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