NEW YORK — September 24, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians living abroad, particularly those in the United States, to support the Tinubu administration’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s economy.
Shettima appealed on Wednesday during an interactive meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora at Nigeria House in New York, where he is representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Shettima highlights diaspora potential
The Vice President said the government wants to tap into the knowledge, skills, capital and international networks of Nigerians living abroad.
He described the diaspora community as an important resource for Nigeria’s future and said Nigerians abroad have the capacity to contribute to the country’s development in areas including education, healthcare, agriculture, science and technology.
Government defends economic reforms
Shettima also defended the economic policies introduced under President Tinubu.
He pointed to what he described as improvements in foreign reserves, economic growth and the foreign-exchange market. He said Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen to more than $55 billion and cited 4.45% economic growth in the last quarter. These figures were presented by the Vice President during the meeting.
He also said improved foreign-exchange conditions could strengthen confidence among Nigerians abroad who send money home or invest in Nigeria.
Education and security
The Vice President highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying more than 1.29 million tertiary students had accessed about ₦125 billion since the programme began.
On security, Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria and said the government was using available resources to address emerging threats.
He also appealed for greater national unity, saying Nigerians should focus on what unites the country rather than its differences.
The bigger issue
The meeting comes as Nigeria seeks stronger links with its large overseas population.
Beyond financial remittances, the government is looking to the diaspora for investment, expertise, technology, professional knowledge and international connections.
Shettima’s message in New York was that Nigerians abroad should play a bigger role in Nigeria’s economic development while the government continues implementing its reforms.
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