Shettima: Leadership Demands Very Tough Decisions

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that effective leadership often requires difficult and unpopular decisions made in the best interest of the nation.

According to Ireporter Online, Shettima made this known on Monday during the Lagos State Investment Summit, where he noted that leaders cannot afford to act based on emotions but must prioritize long-term national interest over temporary comfort.

He described Lagos State as a critical economic hub, not only for Nigeria but for the wider West African region, highlighting its role in providing access to capital, talent, resources, and opportunities that drive regional growth.

The Vice President further explained that the administration’s macroeconomic policies are designed to rebuild investor confidence and ensure long-term fiscal stability, adding that President Tinubu has borne the burden of making tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.

“If you want to be a nice man, you can go and sell ice cream, but leadership requires you to take very harsh decisions,” Shettima said.

He added that Nigeria’s economic future cannot be built on illusions but on realistic and sometimes painful reforms aimed at national recovery.

In a separate remark, Shettima also revealed that shortly after assuming office, there were attempts to create mistrust between him and President Tinubu, alleging that some individuals from Borno State falsely accused him of plotting against the President.

He disclosed that the matter was eventually dismissed after Tinubu personally engaged him and found the claims baseless. The Vice President made the revelation during the launch of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, in Abuja.