Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence following his return from New York, where he represented the President at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
The visit, disclosed by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, came as Tinubu resumed activities in Nigeria after his extended stay abroad. Shettima told journalists after the meeting that he had remained in regular contact with the President throughout his absence.
“We are quite thrilled that he is back on the beat and we have been in regular contact throughout his sojourn abroad,” Shettima said.
He explained that advances in technology had enabled leaders to remain engaged with governance even when they were physically outside the country.
“We speak almost every other day and update him on developments in the nation,” he added.
The Vice President also defended key economic measures introduced by the Tinubu administration, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates.
Shettima said Tinubu demonstrated the courage and conviction required to implement the reforms, adding, “He saved the economy, and I want Nigerians to understand this fundamental truism.”
Acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by citizens, the Vice President said the government was working on measures to reduce the impact.
“We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever tough people do,” he said.
Shettima also announced plans for the Federal Government to introduce an e-logistics initiative in the North-East involving 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and e-taxis, with the stated aim of reducing transportation costs. The government had previously announced plans for an electric-tricycle rollout in the region.
He added that further interventions were being finalised to support students and vulnerable Nigerians.
“Be rest assured that we will come up with programmes and projects to ease the pains of the people,” he pledged.
On the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections, Shettima said the administration would continue to combine its governance responsibilities with political activities.
“Politics is in the air, but we will combine politics and governance,” he said.
Tinubu arrived in Lagos on Tuesday after concluding his working vacation abroad. He had departed Nigeria on August 30, spending time in London before travelling to Paris, and the Presidency subsequently announced his return to Nigeria.
