Nigeria Now Stable for Investment – VP Kashim Shettima

 Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has once again reassured both local and international investors of the country’s readiness and stability for business and economic growth, stating that the most favorable and convenient time to invest in Nigeria is now. The Vice President made this declaration on Wednesday in Bauchi State while officially declaring open the Bauchi Investment Summit 2025, a two-day event aimed at attracting investors to explore opportunities in the North-East region and across the nation.

Speaking with confidence, Senator Shettima emphasized that Nigeria has successfully exited its phase of economic instability, which had for several years discouraged investors and slowed down national development. He attributed the country’s economic rebound to the decisive reforms and policies implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assuming office in 2023. According to the Vice President, these policies were designed to eliminate the obstacles that had previously hampered Nigeria’s economic progress and to create a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment.

Shettima explained that when the current administration came into power, it inherited an economy that was facing serious challenges. He noted that Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio had risen dangerously to almost 100 per cent, meaning that virtually every naira earned by the government was being used to service debts, leaving little or nothing for development. The situation, he said, posed a major threat to the nation’s fiscal stability and investor confidence. However, through deliberate and well-coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, the government has succeeded in reversing that trend.

The Vice President proudly announced that under the leadership of President Tinubu, Nigeria’s debt service-to-revenue ratio has now been reduced to less than 50 per cent, signaling a major improvement in the country’s financial management and capacity to invest in development projects. He also revealed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth stood at 4.23 per cent as of the previous month, showing a consistent pattern of positive growth despite global economic uncertainties.

Highlighting the administration’s progress in revenue generation, Shettima said that non-oil revenues recorded a remarkable 411 per cent year-on-year growth, demonstrating that the government’s diversification efforts are yielding real results. He explained that the nation’s tax-to-GDP ratio has also improved significantly, rising to 13.5 per cent from a mere 7 per cent a few years ago. This achievement, he said, reflects the improved efficiency of tax administration, the broadening of the tax base, and a renewed sense of civic responsibility among Nigerian taxpayers.

The Vice President also stressed that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio currently stands at 38.8 per cent, which is far below the 60 per cent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and even further below the 70 per cent limits recommended by ECOWAS and the World Bank. This, he said, shows that Nigeria’s debt profile remains sustainable and that the government’s borrowing strategy is well within safe limits.

According to Shettima, the nation’s external reserves have grown to 43 billion dollars as of September 2025, representing a strong indicator of economic recovery and increased investor confidence. He explained that the growth in reserves reflects the government’s success in boosting exports, managing foreign exchange demand, and encouraging remittances from Nigerians in the diaspora. With these positive indicators, Shettima assured the audience that Nigeria is now on a firm path of sustainable growth and stability.

Addressing the investors and stakeholders present at the summit, the Vice President urged them to take advantage of the current economic environment to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, technology, and infrastructure. He emphasized that the federal government has made bold moves to eliminate multiple taxation, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and create a more transparent system that encourages ease of doing business.

Shettima pointed out that the government’s recent reforms in the energy and financial sectors have also created new opportunities for both domestic and international investors. He mentioned that the administration’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and unify the foreign exchange rate has brought about more stability and efficiency in the market. These reforms, though challenging in the short term, are expected to strengthen the country’s economic foundations and improve investor confidence in the long run.

The Vice President reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a resilient economy where both the private and public sectors can thrive. He noted that the government is not only focused on macroeconomic stability but also on human capital development, digital innovation, and industrialization. He said that Nigeria’s large population, youthful workforce, and expanding consumer market make it one of the most promising destinations for investment in Africa.

Senator Shettima further commended the Bauchi State Government for hosting the investment summit and for taking bold steps to attract investors to the North-East region. He noted that the summit demonstrates Bauchi’s readiness to partner with the federal government and private investors to drive growth and development. According to him, the federal government will continue to support all states that take proactive measures to promote investment, job creation, and industrialization.

In his concluding remarks, the Vice President reiterated that Nigeria has come out of its difficult economic phase and is now entering an era of renewed hope and opportunity. He said the government’s economic indicators are improving rapidly, investor confidence is returning, and the nation’s financial health is stronger than it has been in years.

Shettima encouraged investors to act quickly and take advantage of the current moment, describing it as the best time to choose Nigeria as their preferred investment destination. He assured them that the federal government remains fully committed to ensuring stability, transparency, and fairness in all its economic dealings.

With these words, the Vice President reaffirmed the administration’s vision to make Nigeria not just a regional powerhouse but one of the most competitive economies in the world, driven by innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity for all citizens.