Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to diversifying Nigeria’s economy, describing him as a leader with the political courage to take tough decisions.
Shettima spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) led by its President, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju. He highlighted Tinubu’s recent trip to Brazil, which produced five Memoranda of Understanding in aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture, as deliberate steps to expand the economy.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally who speaks your language of business and commerce, understands the economic terrain, and has the courage to act,” Shettima said. He urged the NES to support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and provide robust solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Adenikinju commended the government’s reforms as “bold and profound,” pledging the society’s support. He called for the reactivation of the Economic Intelligence Unit in the presidency and announced that Shettima would receive the society’s highest award at its forthcoming national conference in Abuja on September 9.
In a separate meeting, Shettima received the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) led by its President, Mobolaji Adealo Adeniyi. The group urged the Federal Government to set up a presidential task team to standardise architectural practice and elevate design as a tool for national development.
Shettima assured the NIA of Tinubu’s support, describing the President as “a compassionate leader” willing to make hard decisions. He pledged government collaboration with over 10,000 Nigerian architects to add value to the built environment.
Earlier, Adeniyi described architecture as a driver of societal progress and sustainable development. She listed sector challenges, including weak design standards, poor-quality materials, and inadequate local expertise, while inviting Shettima to the Institute’s 65th Annual General Meeting on November 26, where he will be conferred with an Honorary Fellowship.
