Shettima campaigns in Lafia, says Tinubu's roads will cut transport costs

Vice President Kashim Shettima campaigned for President Bola Tinubu in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Wednesday, telling supporters that the government's road projects will connect farms and markets and bring down transport costs.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally, Shettima said the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway would strengthen trade between the North-Central and North-East. He listed it alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway as part of the administration's plan to close Nigeria's infrastructure gap.

"We have promised to ease movement across regions. We have promised to generate employment," he said, asking supporters for another term to finish the work.

For traders and families, the pitch is simple: better roads mean farm produce, minerals and manufactured goods move more cheaply, and goods should cost less in the market. Shettima said the government's economic reforms had raised government revenue and increased allocations to state governments.

Student loans and a new university

On education, the Vice President pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying students in Nasarawa can get financing for higher education.

He said President Tinubu had approved the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology. According to Shettima, the move is meant to train the engineers and technicians needed to develop the state's solid minerals.

He also pointed to the Diamond New Energy lithium processing plant in the state, saying the government wants minerals processed in Nigeria rather than exported raw, so more manufacturing jobs stay in the country.

Shettima did not avoid the cost of the reforms. "We are not in denial about the short-term pain that has accompanied our reforms," he said, adding that the government believes the worst is over.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and APC National Chairman Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda also spoke, urging Nasarawa voters to back Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections. Abbas argued that many ongoing projects would only be completed if Tinubu gets a second term.

Earlier, Shettima visited the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (rtd), who wished Tinubu success and said Nigerians would judge candidates on leadership and competence.

The Vice President urged supporters to keep the campaign peaceful and reject violence.

What happens next

The APC is presenting its record to voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, with infrastructure and student loans as its main talking points. Nigerians will weigh those promises against the cost of living when they vote.