Tag: Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged State Governments to intensify the implementation of Human Capital Development (HCD) initiatives, emphasising the country’s future will be shaped by the strength of its workforce, the education of its children, and the well-being of its communities.

Shettima, who spoke on Friday during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Human Capital Development Programme at the Presidential Villa, maintained that Nigeria will achieve greater success if it depends more on the quality of its human capital than its natural resources or industrial might.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We must go beyond plans and policies. Implementation must be swift, targeted, and unrelenting. The time for incremental change has passed—this is the time for bold, decisive action.

“State-level implementation must be deepened. Our governors and state representatives must prioritise the five key indicators we have identified for tracking HCD progress.

“Regular and structured meetings of State HCD Councils must become non-negotiable, ensuring that human capital development remains at the heart of governance at all levels.”

Underscoring the importance of human capital to the nation’s development, Shettima pointed out that history will remember that in a defining moment, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “chose to prioritise people over politics, to invest in capacity over convenience, and to build a nation that thrives not despite its challenges, but because we confronted them head-on.”

Shettima outlined the significant strides made by the HCD Steering Committee to include its expansion to accommodate key cross-cutting sectors, noting that this has strengthened the governance structure.

The VP acknowledged what he described as impactful state-level interventions, outlining them to include “the rollout of Project Fuuku in Nasarawa State, distributing over 1,000 clean cookstoves to vulnerable households, demonstrating the intersection of human capital development and environmental sustainability.

“Additionally, our advocacy and engagement efforts have continued to sensitise state focal persons on the HCD 2.0 strategy, ensuring that our vision is embedded at every level of governance.

“Furthermore, the launch of the HCD Dashboard—a data-driven mechanism for tracking immunisation rates, learning poverty, youth unemployment, and other key indicators—positions us to make informed policy decisions and measure our progress against tangible benchmarks,” he added.

The Vice President further called for a nationwide survey to be commissioned for the collection of real-time data on priority indicators.

He continued: “We believe that data must drive our decisions. We cannot solve what we do not measure. A nationwide survey must be commissioned to collect real-time data on priority indicators—health, education, and workforce readiness. A nation that aspires to greatness must ground its policies in evidence, not assumptions.

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“We must mobilise resources beyond government funding. Traditional financing models alone will not suffice. The Private Sector Partnership Group must take a leadership role in unlocking innovative financing, from impact investments to social impact bonds.

“Our development partners, corporate leaders, and philanthropic institutions must see human capital development not as charity but as an investment in the economic prosperity of our nation.”

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, commended the Human Capital Development team on the parameters designed for more information and data, stressing that “economic expansion without human capital development is an effort in futility.”

He, however, advised that as “the world is focusing on Africa because of its growing young population, more attention should be given to the educated, skilled and healthy population.”

The Country Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the federal government for promoting human capital development as the bedrock of development.

She highlighted a number of projects to support human capital development, including the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, noting that Nigeria’s development pathway does not rest on natural resources but on human resources.

According to her, delivering on the vision of the federal government, the UNDP has a functioning technology hub in Lagos, and it also wants to establish in every state university a hub that would contain ideas in technology, business and industries.

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 will 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. 

“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.

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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.

“I urge the Governors of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi and Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, as two of the major food producing States in the federation, to be there; have that interface with them and see what we can do,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Governor Namadi of Jigawa State acknowledged the PFSCU’s critical role in transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and ramping up food production, saying, “This committee is a very important committee that has the potential of improving food security.”

On his part, Governor Nwifuru of Ebonyi State called for clearly defined priorities for farmers and adequate preparations ahead of every farming season.

Also, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture (Office of the Vice President) and coordinator of PFSCU, Marion Moon, reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to ensuring affordable food for all citizens while incentivising increased production to maintain food stability.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is presiding over the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with discussions on the establishment of state police taking centre stage.

The council, which comprises state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Minister of Finance, is expected to make key decisions on economic and security matters affecting the nation.

A major highlight of today’s meeting is the long-awaited deliberation on state police.

Read Also: Tinubu committed to repositioning secondary education – Shettima

NEC had previously received submissions from all 36 states on the matter, with initial discussions expected in January 2025.

The issue has sparked national debate, with advocates arguing that decentralizing policing would enhance security at the grassroots level, while opponents raise concerns over potential abuse by state governments.

Under Shettima’s leadership, NEC serves as a critical platform for governors to provide regional insights, ensuring that economic and security policies reflect the realities of different states.

The council also works to harmonize strategies between federal and state governments to address economic challenges.

Details shortly…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming secondary education in Nigeria for a brighter future.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday as the Special Guest at Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Maitama, during the launch of 4,600 digital tablets donated by MTN to government secondary schools nationwide, Shettima emphasized the administration’s unwavering focus on prioritizing quality education.

He stated that the government would continue to invest heavily in educational infrastructure to ensure qualitative learning while also encouraging private sector participation.

Shettima described MTN Nigeria’s donation of 4,600 digital tablets as more than just corporate social responsibility, calling it a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

He said: “I want you all to remain assured that investing in quality education for every single Nigerian child remains a top priority for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. We recognise that the partnership of the private sector is crucial to the success of this important mission.

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“This is why we deeply appreciate MTN for rising to the occasion through this donation to our students. We trust that MTN, as well as other members of the Nigerian private sector, will continue to support this administration in building a future where every Nigerian child has access to quality education and the tools to thrive in a digital world”.

Senator Shettima observed that while education has often been said to be the key to unlocking the future, digital literacy is the master key in today’s world.

“The classroom is no longer just a physical space; it is now an infinite world of knowledge, only a click away. The most transformative lessons of our time are not confined to four walls but are happening in the boundless universe of the internet.

“This event, therefore, is more than a ceremony; it is yet another opportunity to offer our children a window into the world—a classroom beyond their classroom,” the VP pointed out.

He expressed President Tinubu’s gratitude to the leadership of MTN Nigeria, particularly the Chairman of its Board of Directors, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, for what he described as an “incredible act of generosity.

“We thank you for supporting the efforts of this administration by investing in the digital literacy of our students. These devices will ensure that our children are as equipped as their counterparts across the world to function effectively in a technology-driven 21st century,” he added.

The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, said the event marked a significant milestone in the telecom giant’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital learning and literacy in Nigeria and making digital inclusion a reality for every Nigerian student.

He said the tablets – each pre-installed with U-Lesson software – represent MTN Nigeria’s commitment to empowering the next generation with the essential tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Dr Ndukwe said through the MTN Foundation over 35 billion naira have been communities development projects across the country with particular emphasis on education, health and other social services sector. 

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, said the flag-off of the initiative is a consolidation of the partnership between the Federal Government and the private sector in enhancing educational advancement in Nigeria and the realisation of an initiative envisioned by the Vice President.

He disclosed that the initiative to be replicated in schools across the country would significantly impact science education and digital literacy in Nigeria, even as he assured that there is more to be benefited from the partnership between government and MTN, which would be unveiled in the nearest future.

The Principal of the school, Mallam Isa Usman Okuru, commended the Vice President for his leadership and commitment to the cause of Nigeria’s development.

Ukuru, who praised MTN Nigeria for the gesture, said beyond just the distribution of digital devices, the donation is an investment in the future of the students and the prospect of advancing science education, technology and digital innovation in Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare, implementing inclusive economic policies, and advancing wage reforms.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a thriving workforce and an efficient labour ecosystem.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, Shettima praised the Organised Labour movement, emphasising its critical role in national development.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We have a very vibrant labour movement, led by a competent and patriotic Nigerian. President Tinubu is deeply passionate about the welfare of Nigerian workers. We raised the minimum wage, and most states have started implementing it. 

“Some have even gone beyond the N70,000 agreed at the national level. I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights”, the Vice President said.

He noted the global workforce transformation and Nigeria’s potential to bridge talent gaps, citing the country’s youthful population as a major advantage.

“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth. The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can transform it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” Shettima said. 

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He expressed confidence in the country’s future workforce, saying, “Our young people are digitally more literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.”

The Vice President told the ILO chief that the Nigerian government remains committed to inclusive labour policies, fair wages, and economic growth. 

“We will continue to engage with our friends in the labour movement to ensure progress. We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” he stated. 

VP Shettima assured the ILO delegation that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist himself, would be briefed on their requests upon his return to the country. 

“We are all patriots and partners in progress. The President is very much at home with the labour ecosystem,” he said.

• NAHCON: no pilgrim will miss this year’s pilgrimage
• Fed Govt in talks with Saudi over visa restrictions on 14 countries

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia that none of them will miss the pilgrimage due to visa-related challenges.

The VP assured them that the Federal Government would put necessary measures in place to ensure they have a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage.

He directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to take necessary measures to ensure a smooth and unhindered pilgrimage for all the nation’s intending pilgrims.

This was the outcome of a meeting the Vice President had yesterday with NAHCON management and board in his office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Shettima had summoned the meeting following reports that a contractual dispute with Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, could potentially lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.

A statement in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the VP said: “We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly.”

Shettima instructed the NAHCON leadership to take necessary steps to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, saying: “NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance.

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“From now on, we must set the right standards, move in the right direction and have a hitch-free hajj exercise.”

Also, the National Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has assured intending pilgrims from Nigeria that they will not miss this year’s Hajj.

Usman, who gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja, debunked the allegations that he was truncating the preparation for his year’s Hajj by cancelling deals with Saudi Arabia Masha’ir companies.

On Sunday, the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, through its Secretary, Abubakar Salihu, had raised concern over the alleged cancellation of the Masha’ir contract.

Salihu had alleged that thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims might miss this year’s Hajj due to the cancellation of service providers’ contract by NAHCON’s leadership.

Reacting to the allegation, Usman said the allegations were aimed at smearing his hard-earned reputation as an Islamic scholar

“The contract with the Saudi Arabia-based company was cancelled by the same Saudi Government and they later approved it and subsequently cancelled for the second time. So, you can see that I have nothing to do with the cancellation.

“Because of this up and down, we are doing everything possible to ensure that the right thing is done. We are also doing everything according to the dictate of the laws.

“I am assuring all our intending Muslim pilgrims that none of them will miss this year Hajj,” he said.

Also, the Federal Government has said it is engaging with its Saudi Arabian counterpart over the recent listing of Nigeria among nations restricted from multiple entry visas.

Saudi Arabia recently introduced new visa regulations that will impact travelers from 14 countries, restricting them to single-entry visas that will be valid for 30 days with no option for extension.

The changes apply to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

But Nigeria has expressed optimism that it is a temporary measure.

A media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alkasim Abdulkadir, said the changes may not be unconnected with the upcoming Ramadan season.

He said: “Saudi Arabia recently adjusted its visa policies, affecting travelers from Nigeria and 13 other countries. The issuance of visas is a sovereign right of each nation, and Saudi Arabia has implemented these changes to better manage the influx of visitors, especially with the upcoming Ramadan season.

“Nigerian citizens are still eligible to apply for single-entry visas, and thousands continue to do so daily. It’s important to note that this restriction is temporary and specifically pertains to multiple-entry visas. This policy does not prevent travelers or pilgrims from applying to visit Saudi Arabia for work or religious purposes.

“The Nigerian government is actively engaging through diplomatic channels to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims and travelers experience seamless journeys to Saudi Arabia.”

To achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to bridge financial gaps and drive inclusive economic growth.

The vice president made this known yesterday at the State House, Abuja. .

It was during the inauguration of 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 April 25, last year 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  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.

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 catalyse 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 maximise 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).

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“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  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.

…as kidney transplant patients flock to local hospitals

Nigeria is emerging as a global destination for medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries choosing the nation’s hospitals for high-quality, yet affordable, kidney transplants, Vice President Kashim Shettima has noted.

Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, VP Shettima stressed the need for further investments in specialized medical education to sustain this progress.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

“Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world”, he said.

The Vice President praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

Shettima however noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government support to afford transplants.

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“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno state, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighbourhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including cesarean sections,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President also reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno State as Governor, he took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, said the conference with the theme, “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.

The association also announced plans to honour Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.

As part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to perform a successful kidney transplant.

Other members of the delegation included the Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the NAN Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven.