Tag: Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services in Nigeria, pledging comprehensive support for training, equipment, and infrastructure development in the sector.

The Vice President made the declaration on Thursday evening while receiving a delegation from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON), led by its President, Prof. Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Addressing the delegation, VP Shettima acknowledged the growing burden of hearing loss across the country and underscored the urgent need to improve ENT care, including efforts to curb the ongoing brain drain among medical professionals.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “A huge chunk of our population suffers from hearing ailments, but due to social stigmatisation, many are reluctant to come forward for treatment. The challenges you are highlighting are real, and the government is committed to going beyond cosmetic interventions.”

Shettima acknowledged the critical shortage of ENT specialists nationwide, saying there may not be up to 500 ENT surgeons in this country if immediate action is not taken. 

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“That is the reality we face today. Even our young doctors are migrating to Europe and other regions, but we are working to create an enabling environment for them here.”

He emphasised that government support will not only focus on acquiring equipment but will also prioritise the training, welfare, and retention of medical professionals in the field.

“The problem goes beyond equipment. Procuring medical devices without the manpower to operate them would amount to nothing,” VP Shettima added, urging ORLSON to continue investing in the training of new specialists.

In recognition of his support for the sector, the Vice President was conferred with the honourary title of “Ambassador of the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria” by Prof. Kodiya.

Nigerian Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, yesterday said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring the improvement of Hajj operations.

He spoke during the National Hajj Stakeholders Summit organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in collaboration with Jaiz Bank in Abuja.

Represented by Bashir Maidugu, Shettima said the administration has consistently provided the necessary support due to the importance of the spiritual exercise to millions of Nigerians.

He highlighted the support to include diplomatic engagements with Saudi authorities, facilitating foreign exchange allocations for pilgrims and securing better terms and conditions for Nigerians.

“The recent landmark approval of special interventions to cushion the impact of rising costs on 2024 Hajj operations is a clear testimony to this administration’s dedication.

“In the face of global economic challenges and sharp fluctuations in the value of the Naira, Mr President personally approved critical measures to protect the interests of intending pilgrims. He has ensured that this sacred obligation remains within reach for thousands of Nigerian Muslims,’’ he said.

NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, called on stakeholders to remain united and committed to providing effective and efficient services to the “respected guests of Allah”, thereby reinforcing the renewed hope for Nigerian pilgrims.

He assured them that NAHCON is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships, collaborations and teamwork to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj operations.

The commission boss thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their continuous support and timely interventions in resolving the challenges facing the 2025 Hajj.

He listed such support to include the significant provision of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in cash.

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According to him, this will provide great relief to pilgrims, operators and the regulator.

According to the NAHCON chairman, the summit provided a crucial platform for relevant stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to collectively examine and address matters vital to the sustainable future of Hajj operations.

He expressed confidence that the summit would provide practical administrative and operational frameworks for Hajj financing in Nigeria.

He expressed the commission’s readiness to provide seamless 2025 Hajj operations, beginning with the inaugural flight on May 9.

“The Federal Government has licensed four airlines for the airlift of over 40,000 pilgrims, excluding more than 14,000 traveling with tour operators.

“The inaugural flight is scheduled for May 9, and with the grace of Allah, we anticipate seamless operations,’’ he said.

Vice President  Kashim Shettima has called for  collaboration among government ministries, agencies, the private sector and development partners to drive  skills development agenda.

He emphasized the need for a unified national strategy to harness the country’s vast human capital.  The Vice President made the remarks  as chairman of the fifth meeting of the National Council on Skills at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The gathering brought together key stakeholders to review progress and fine-tune the nation’s skills development framework in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This was contained in a statement  by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

He noted that the demographic dividends accruable to Nigeria can be best maximized if the workforce and the youth are adequately skilled in critical sectors of the economy.

“We know that isolated programmes, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot substitute for a unified national strategy, that is why this council’s work remains indispensable. There are challenges but we can conquer them if we act with unity, urgency, and foresight,” Shettima stated.

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The council also deliberated on strategies for advancing Nigeria’s skills landscape and ensuring alignment with the 8-point agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, even as it commended the proposed Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scheduled for unveiling on May 16, 2025.

The Council urged improved consultations with sister ministries and departments regarding the initiative, emphasizing the need to prioritize digital skills training, especially among youths.

It reiterated its commitment to ensuring coherence in skills development policies, monitoring implementation effectively, and adapting strategies to meet emerging labour market trends.

The body also approved the adoption of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) certifications for skills training centres across MDAs, the 36 states of the federation, and the private sector, just as it acknowledged the crucial role of the private sector in skills development in the country.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has hailed its longstanding partnership with Senegal as a cornerstone for regional peace, stability, and economic integration in West Africa.

 This affirmation came as Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, held Friday at the Place de la Nation in Dakar.

 The commemorative event was hosted by Senegal’s newly inaugurated President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and drew dignitaries from across the continent, including presidents from Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, and Mauritania.

 Speaking on the sidelines, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal as “deep-rooted and strategic,” anchored on a shared colonial history and mutual aspirations for democratic governance and economic development.

 “Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the minister stated.

 According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the minister emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries.

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 She said, “both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions.”

 The Minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade.

 “Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.”

 The Minister also pointed to sustained high-level engagement, noting that “the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was in Nigeria last year to meet with our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to talk about areas of collaboration and cooperation.”

The Federal Government has launched a proactive flood response strategy to curb the devastating effects of seasonal flooding in Nigeria, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at the State House, Abuja during the launch of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) on floods, Shettima emphasised the shift from reactive disaster relief to preparedness, leveraging science, technology, and collaboration.

According to him, the initiative aligned with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which emphasises proactive disaster preparedness to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and protect vulnerable communities.

The Vice President, who gave the hint on Tuesday during a meeting of the Anticipatory Action Task Force (AATF) on Floods at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, said the traditional response of mobilising relief after floods strike is no longer sustainable.

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In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We cannot afford to wait for disaster to strike before taking action.

“The human and economic toll of floods in Nigeria has become unbearable. We must act now to protect lives and livelihoods by leveraging science, technology, and collaboration.”

Members of the Task Force include Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, alongside state emergency management agencies and international development partners.

Shettima said: “Prevention is always cheaper than response, and investing in early action today will save billions in future losses. We need to strengthen coordination among agencies, engage local communities, and ensure that preparedness efforts are backed by real-time data.”

Earlier in his remarks, United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, explained that the United States’ suspension of humanitarian funding is a wake-up call for us to be more efficient, adding that “transitioning from reactive aid to anticipatory action is critical.

“As we approach the rainy season, we must factor in these developments and ensure that our interventions are timely and effective,” he further noted.

Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Trond Jensen, commended the initiative, explaining that “a critical part of humanitarian response is anticipatory action; not only are we saving lives and reducing vulnerability, we are doing it more efficiently.”

He further commended the government’s leadership, stating that “we are the vanguard of innovation in anticipatory action, and for that, we are grateful to be your partners.”

Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, narrated ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, including the development of the Hazard Risk Countrywide Analysis, a document aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s resilience against flooding.

“We have established a national coordination forum, bringing together all relevant agencies to ensure readiness. This effort is based on the seasonal climate predictions from NiMET, ensuring that all stakeholders are on high alert,” Umar said.

In a landmark visit to SecureID Limited’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday celebrated the company’s remarkable contributions to the nation’s manufacturing and digital solutions sectors.

The visit underscored the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and driving economic growth through innovation and industrialisation. 

SecureID, a leading manufacturer of smart cards and digital solutions, has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in the technology and manufacturing space.

As SecureID celebrates 20 years of operation, the company continues to demonstrate exceptional growth with a capacity to produce over 200 million cards and personalise over 160 million smart cards annually serving clients in 21 countries across Africa.

During the visit, the Vice President toured the facility, witnessing firsthand SecureID’s cutting-edge production processes and its commitment to quality and innovation.

He commended SecureID for its resilience and success, noting that the company exemplifies the kind of homegrown businesses that can transform Nigeria’s economy. 

“Government is committed to fostering an enabling environment for businesses like SecureID to thrive,” said the Vice President.

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“Through targeted policies and interventions, we are repositioning Nigeria’s economy to support local innovation, boost foreign exchange earnings, and create employment opportunities.

“This edifice embodies the promise of what our nation can achieve when our innovative minds are given the support to compete with the rest of the world.

“SecureID is proof that when there is a will, there is always a way.”

He highlighted President Tinubu’s dedication to revitalising the economy through fiscal reforms and strategic interventions aimed at boosting local enterprises.

“The health and survival of our enterprises are the true catalysts of a vibrant economy.

“This administration will continue to foster an environment where innovation thrives, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he added.

Promising support for indigenous companies, particularly in the production of essential government documents, Shettima added: “Anything Nigeria, we have to patronise. Passports, voter cards—everything.”

The founder of SecureID, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s visit and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its operations, creating jobs and putting Africa on the global stage.

“We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but this is just the beginning.

“With the support of the government, we are ready to scale our operations, increase our export potential and contribute even more to Nigeria’s economic growth.”

She reiterated the company’s commitment to building a global brand while maintaining its Nigerian identity.

“Indigenous companies like ours are making waves against all odds. This just encourages us to keep pushing forward, regardless of limitations,” Akinkugbe said.

She also said SecureID had already demonstrated its capacity to produce secure passports locally, emphasising the importance of government support in promoting local production.

“It will be beneficial to the entire economy,” she noted.

Addressing questions on SecureID’s sustainability strategy, Akinkugbe highlighted the company’s efforts in developing eco-friendly products.

“We launched Nigeria’s first eco-friendly SIM card just two months ago.

“We are very focused on sustainability, reducing plastic use, and creating environmentally friendly solutions for our customers,” she explained.

The visit highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in driving economic development and showcased SecureID’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s charge in the global digital and manufacturing sectors.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening food security by implementing targeted interventions to support local farmers.

He said the government would intervene robustly to protect local producers to reduce production costs, including single-digit loans.

Speaking on Thursday during the Steering Committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President said the economic realities facing local farmers demand strategic government intervention to reduce production costs and support local farmers.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “We need to support our local farmers.

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“Give them single-digit loans. The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit has metamorphosed into an incubator beyond being an advisory body,” VP Shettima stated.

The Vice President maintained that the President Tinubu administration is determined to revitalise stalled high-impact agricultural projects. “In a nutshell, the government will intervene robustly. We will continue to encourage our farmers,” he added.

Referencing how South Korea transformed itself through strategic industrial investments, the VP said, “For now, as far as I am concerned, I have read the work of Joe Studwell on How Asia Works, and I am reading it again.

“How South Korea, a former poor nation, was able to become the world’s number one steel producer. They gave hefty discounts and single-digit loans to the Daewoos, LGs, and Samsungs, who are now global leaders even in the semiconductor business. They were able to develop their economy.”

The Vice President specifically directed Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to engage with a Brazilian delegation this Saturday.

…inaugurates presidential committee as private sector investors sign pact to provide infrastructure

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bridging financial gaps and driving inclusive economic growth as part of efforts to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Speaking at the State House, Abuja, on Monday, the Vice President inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), a strategic initiative aimed at expanding financial access for millions of Nigerians.

The event also saw private sector investors signing a landmark agreement to provide essential infrastructure for the implementation of the Aso Accord initiative, a key pillar of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The accord signed on Thursday, 25th April 2024 at the State House Banquet Hall is a core pillar of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the nation’s economy.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima called on all stakeholders to support the government’s effort at bridging financial gaps for millions of unbanked citizens.

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According to him, Nigeria’s economic aspirations require more than optimism but “deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win.

“Our road to a $1 trillion economy by 2030 shall remain a mere wish unless we lay a foundation strong enough to carry our dreams. Dreams are not built on hope alone. They are the sum of deliberate ideas and strategies, inspired by our desire to win,” he added.

The Vice President noted the progress made since the launch of the Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012, explaining that inclusion rates have improved from 60.3% to 74% as of 2023 but added that beneath these figures lie untold stories of millions still locked out of the financial system.

“We welcome this investment as an opportunity to catalyze growth for our startups and MSMEs, create jobs, and propel Nigeria towards the $1 trillion economy target by 2030. This is not merely another government initiative. This is a higher calling—a national duty to bridge the economic divide and maximize the full potential of our people.

“The inauguration of this committee and the formalisation of this investment commitment reinforce President Tinubu’s pledge to an inclusive economy—a vision that has been endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC).

“We remain resolute in mitigating the short-term effects of economic reforms, expanding financial opportunities, and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of geography or status, is integrated into our economic growth story. However, the weight of this vision rests on all of us gathered here today,” VP Shettima stated.

Senator Shettima further noted that youth, women, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rural populations, and certain regions have continued “to face systemic barriers that deny them the opportunity to reach their full economic potential”.

He explained that the new Presidential Committee will operate through the Governance Committee (GovCo) and a Technical Committee (TechCo) and be supported by an Implementation Secretariat.

The Vice President added that this framework “ensures that our approach is not only robust but also adaptable to evolving challenges and opportunities in financial and economic inclusion.”

Meanwhile, IQS Africa is leading a consortium of core investors committed to providing the essential infrastructure for the Aso Accord’s implementation.

Earlier in his opening address, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the composition of the Presidential Committee with membership drawn from the sub-nationals, key ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government, and the private sector, underscored the commitment of President Tinubu in attaining his administration’s trillion-dollar target for the economy.

On his part, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said the inauguration of the Presidential Committee is significant to Nigeria’s journey towards inclusive growth and the attainment of one trillion-dollar economy, noting that collaboration will be critical to the actualisation of all set objectives.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, said economic and financial inclusion has been instrumental to the state’s astronomical increase in internally generated revenues, noting that growing economy with the interest of the weak and vulnerable at heart is at the core of what the state government is doing.

In the same vein, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, said financial inclusion for Nigeria was long overdue, just as he welcomed the visionary leadership of Vice President Shettima.

He noted that beyond the issues of poverty, financial inclusion will help to address a lot of issues in the northern part of the country where digital infrastructure and network connectivity are inadequate.

Delivering his remarks, the President/CEO of IQS, Mr Emmanuel Itapson said “The ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration is at a moment when visionary leadership, carefully thought-out policies, and moments in history meet at a confluence.

“The agenda is a bold move to redefine the contours of opportunity and possibilities before the nation,” he added.

Praising President Tinubu’s exemplary leadership, Mr Itapson said, “No nation has ever achieved a great leap in its move towards greatness without a leadership that paints a vision that summons and harnesses the best and the most out of its people.

“Leadership provides the moonshot challenge and inspires the country to rise to that challenge. It also creates an environment where stakeholders, especially the private sector, will bring their ingenuity and unleash their entrepreneurial energy for the common good and national development.

“The renewed hope agenda for Nigeria with its trillion-dollar economy target is the moonshot moment for Nigeria and IQS Africa is excited to play a role in this great national renewal challenge.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the Ministry of Finance remains committed to the tasks assigned to the Presidential Committee, noting that it will take responsibility for translating the vision of the Aso Accord into actionable and impactful reforms and programmes.

On his part, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the ministry will be the biggest beneficiary of the efforts to enhance economic and financial inclusion across the nation, pointing out that agencies under his ministry will support the presidential committee to close the gap in financial inclusion, especially among vulnerable groups in the country.

Also, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended the Vice President’s leadership of the efforts to accelerate the ongoing reforms across different sectors in the country.

He said the financial inclusion efforts of the administration are a vehicle that will help Nigeria bring life to dead capital, adding that it should be taken more seriously by all stakeholders, pledging the support and commitment of Nigeria’s security and intelligence community.

Also at the inauguration were heads of government agencies and departments, representatives of the private sector, development partners and Civil Society Organisations, among others.