VP Shettima Declares Nigeria Exited Instability, Urges Investors to Choose Nigeria Now

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has assured the global investment community that the most opportune time to choose Nigeria as an investment destination is now, declaring that the nation has exited its phase of economic instability.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Bauchi Investment Summit 2025, Senator Shettima credited the milestone to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive reforms, which removed obstacles that had “clogged the wheels” of the nation’s economic progress.

“Nigeria has exited its phase of economic instability, and I assure investors present here that there is no better time to choose Nigeria,” the Vice President stated, telling stakeholders that the administration assumed office in 2023 when the economy was “tottering on the edge of financial crisis.”

Economic Indicators Show Improvement

Senator Shettima highlighted key economic milestones achieved under the Tinubu administration:

Debt Service Ratio: Reduced to less than 50% from an inherited level of nearly 100%.

GDP Growth: Stood at 4.23% as of last month.

Non-Oil Revenues: Grew by 411% year-on-year.

Tax-to-GDP Ratio: Now stands at 13.5%, up from barely 7% a few years ago.

External Reserves: Have grown to $43 billion as of September 2025.

The Vice President defended the administration’s “bold reforms,” including harmonizing the exchange rate regime and dismantling the fuel subsidy structure, which he called an “avenue that had become a theatre for round-tripping and rent-seeking.”

Bauchi’s Investment Potential

VP Shettima praised Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for opening the state to investment, noting that the state’s potential in vast arable land, solid minerals, and tourism aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s priorities of job creation and food security.

“Bauchi State can spearhead climate-smart agriculture, commercial outgrower schemes, and agro-processing hubs linked to national and export markets,” he said, adding that the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring national security.

Obasanjo, Sultan Urge Action Over Talk

The summit also featured critical input from national figures. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stressed the need for partnership, outlining the five Ps—Politics, People, Protection, Partnership, and Progress—as the bedrock of sound investment.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Abubakar Sa’ad III, regretted that many previous summits in the country have ended with minimal implementation of resolutions. “I want to challenge all of us to really look inwards. Nobody can take us out of these economic challenges except we, ourselves,” the royal father charged, while pledging the unwavering support of traditional leaders.

Governor Bala Mohammed thanked the Vice President for his support and assured participants that the summit’s recommendations would be implemented, promising investors safety for their lives and businesses.

The summit was attended by Borno State Governor and Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Babagana Zulum, former Head of Civil Service Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, and other dignitaries. The Vice President concluded by charging participants to move beyond talk and commit to concrete memoranda of understanding, set timelines, and appoint joint implementation teams.

The statement was signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President).