Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians living abroad, particularly in the United States, to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as it pursues economic reforms aimed at transforming the country.
Shettima made the call during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian diaspora at Nigeria House in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President said the administration was focused on repositioning key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, science, and technology, while leveraging the expertise and intellectual capacity of Nigerians living overseas.
He praised the resilience and talent of Nigerians, describing the diaspora community as a critical resource for the country’s future development.
Defending the administration’s economic reforms, Shettima said President Tinubu took bold decisions upon assuming office instead of blaming previous governments for the nation’s challenges.
According to him, the reforms are beginning to produce positive results, citing improvements in foreign reserves, exchange rate stability, and economic growth.
The Vice President stated that enhanced foreign reserves and monetary stability would help protect diaspora investments and remittances while creating a more attractive environment for investors.
He also highlighted the success of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that more than 1.29 million tertiary institution students had accessed loans worth about ₦125 billion since the scheme commenced.
On security, Shettima acknowledged ongoing challenges but said the government was deploying all available resources to tackle emerging threats across the country.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to remain united and committed to national development, insisting that the country’s shared interests outweigh its differences.
Several governors, federal ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, and senior government officials attended the event.
