Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians living abroad, particularly those in the United States, to continue supporting Nigeria’s economic development, insisting that the country remains open for business despite what he described as negative stories circulating on social media.
Shettima made the statement on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian diaspora at Nigeria House in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President said the Federal Government was working to reposition the economy and attract greater investment, while seeking to leverage the expertise and resources of Nigerians living abroad.
“Beyond the negative stories that you hear and see in the social media, Nigeria is open for business. We have crossed the rubicon, and we are on the path of sustained growth,” Shettima said.
Shettima Highlights Economic Reforms
Shettima defended the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, saying President Bola Tinubu had taken difficult decisions aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy.
He cited what he described as improvements in foreign reserves and economic growth as evidence of progress from the government’s reforms.
According to Shettima, Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen from about $3.9 billion to more than $55 billion, while the economy recorded 4.45 per cent growth in the latest quarter. These figures were presented by the Vice President during the meeting and are claims by the government about the performance of the economy.
He also pointed to the Dangote Refinery as an example of recent developments that, in his view, demonstrate increasing investment confidence in Nigeria.
Government Seeks Diaspora Expertise
The Vice President called on Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute more actively to the country’s development through investment, knowledge and professional expertise.
He said the government was particularly interested in leveraging diaspora capabilities in areas including education, healthcare, science and technology, and agriculture.
Shettima described Nigerians living abroad as an important source of knowledge and expertise that could contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
“Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potentials and take it to greater heights,” he said.
NELFUND Also Highlighted
Shettima also spoke about the Federal Government’s education financing programme, saying more than 1.29 million students in tertiary institutions had benefited from N125 billion disbursed through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) since the programme began.
He further acknowledged Nigeria’s security challenges, saying the government was deploying available resources to address emerging threats.
The Vice President urged Nigerians to work towards a united and prosperous country, saying national interests should take precedence over issues that divide citizens.
Shettima is currently representing President Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is leading Nigeria’s delegation. He is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate on Thursday, September 24.