President Bola Tinubu has described Vice-President Kashim Shettima as a “very good partner on the journey for progress,” praising his contributions to the administration’s efforts.
Tinubu made the remark on Monday during the opening of the second edition of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) conference held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The conference, convened by the federal government, aims to strengthen economic coordination and accelerate inclusive growth across all states of the federation. Attendees included Shettima, several ministers, and state governors.
In his speech, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bolstering security forces and restoring peace in communities affected by violent attacks.
He described insecurity as a major obstacle to economic development and called for collective action to address the challenge decisively.
“Distinguished vice-president, chairman of the National Economic Council, Kashim Shettima… a very good partner on the journey for progress,” Tinubu said.
“I promise you here that I’ll play my part. Seven zones of mechanisation are coming. I promise Nigerians that this will be delivered, and I am here again to further find ways to strengthen our security forces and defeat terrorism.
“That, I promise you, is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience. We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture. It’s foreign to us.”
The president highlighted increased financial allocations to states and local governments, enabling them to pay salaries and invest in infrastructure.
Tinubu’s commendation of Shettima comes amid persistent speculation that the vice-president may not return as his running mate in the 2027 general election.
In June 2025, an APC stakeholders’ summit in Gombe sparked controversy when some speakers endorsed Tinubu for a second term without mentioning Shettima. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the omission as a “non-issue.”
The NEC conference continues to focus on aligning federal and state economic priorities to drive sustainable development and address pressing national challenges.
