Shettima: government must listen to Nigerians' pain over reforms

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Federal Government needs to do more than announce economic policies. It must show Nigerians that the reforms are producing results, and it must listen when people describe how those policies affect them.

Shettima spoke on Thursday at The Duke's Masterclass 2026, held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. He was represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua, according to Punch and Leadership.

His message matters for households still stretching budgets. The reforms he defended include the removal of the petrol subsidy, the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, fiscal restructuring and revenue mobilisation. Those changes have shaped fuel prices, transport costs and the cost of imported goods.

Shettima argued that the policies were meant to fix long-standing distortions in the economy and to strengthen Nigeria's ability to produce. He said they were designed to draw investment, lift business confidence and put public resources to better use.

But he stressed that announcing a policy is not the same as winning public understanding. Government, he said, must explain its decisions clearly, back its claims with credible evidence and pay attention to what citizens are going through.

A call to professionals and the middle class

The Vice President asked Nigeria's elite, professionals and middle class to help build a more informed national conversation. He said their role is neither to defend every government action without question nor to wave away people's concerns.

He urged professionals who deal with traders to recognise the pressures businesses face, and those who work with young graduates to acknowledge the tough job market while encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.

He also said leadership should allow for adjusting how policies are carried out when evidence and circumstances change, without abandoning the goals.

On technology, Shettima warned that artificial intelligence and social media are making false information faster and more convincing. A photograph can be altered, a voice cloned or a video faked, he said, making it appear someone said or did something that never happened.

He called on public institutions to verify information, correct false claims openly and use trusted channels, adding that accuracy should come before speed. He also asked for better digital literacy and responsible use of AI.

He named banking, financial technology, oil and gas, agriculture, real estate, construction, commodity exports and the creative industry as sectors that can attract investment and create jobs. He acknowledged the obstacles too: unreliable electricity, poor transport, insecurity, limited access to finance and weak education and public institutions.

Other speakers at the event included Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of Odu'a Investment Company Limited, who said a reputation is built over time and cannot be manufactured during a crisis. He said the masterclass would be extended to London in March 2027.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku spoke on mediation, warning that announcing progress too early can ruin a delicate process.

Kola Adesina, Chairman of AXA Mansard and Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, criticised the power sector, saying Nigerians are being given excuses instead of electricity. He also condemned corruption and inflated public contracts.

Joseph Edgar, Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, said the masterclass was set up to help organisations prepare for crises and protect their reputations.