Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians in the United States to deploy their expertise, networks and capital towards the country’s economic transformation, declaring that Nigeria has moved past its economic difficulties and is now positioned for sustained growth.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday at Nigeria House in New York during an interactive session with Nigerians in the diaspora, organised by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The appeal came against the backdrop of improvements in Nigeria’s economic indicators, including the rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves and increased investor confidence, the Vice President said.
He told the gathering that the Federal Government was particularly interested in harnessing diaspora expertise in education, healthcare, science and technology, agriculture and other strategic sectors.
Describing the diaspora community as “the greatest resource of the future,” Shettima said Nigerians abroad possessed the intellectual capacity to unlock the country’s economic potential. “Citizens of our country have the capacity and intellect to harness our nation’s potentials and take it to greater heights,” he said.
The Vice President also defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the administration had taken difficult decisions rather than dwelling on the shortcomings of previous governments, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
“When President Tinubu assumed office, he did not resort to trading blames and accusing his predecessor for the state of affairs of our nation. Rather, he took decisions that only a leader of courage and conviction would take,” Shettima said.
He cited measurable results from the reforms, including foreign reserves rising above $55 billion and economic growth of 4.45 per cent in the last quarter.
The Central Bank of Nigeria had separately reported that gross external reserves stood at $55.25 billion as of September 18, 2026 — the highest level in 18 years — providing about 11.3 months of import cover.
Shettima said the strengthening of Nigeria’s external position and foreign exchange market improvements would help protect diaspora remittances and investments.
