Shettima Says Toughest Phase of Economic Reforms Is Over, Promises Nigerians ‘Era of Harvest’
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the most difficult phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is over, expressing confidence that the country is moving towards economic growth and prosperity.
He said the reforms, which involved difficult but necessary decisions, had laid the foundation for improved economic conditions, adding that the next phase of the administration would focus on delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.
Shettima made the remarks on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally, where he called for the re-election of President Tinubu, himself as Vice President, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The Vice President maintained that the administration had completed the most challenging part of the economic reset and expressed confidence that a second term would allow it to consolidate the reforms and deliver greater benefits to citizens.
“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of President Tinubu and the APC, describing the party’s mission as an alliance for progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity.
Shettima said the administration was seeking another term to continue its work, noting that political authority belonged to the people and that those entrusted with leadership must account for their stewardship and present a programme worthy of renewed confidence.
He also commended the Cross River APC for maintaining unity and discipline, saying the party’s organisation and commitment had contributed to the performance of its government.
On infrastructure, the Vice President highlighted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a major project expected to improve connectivity across coastal communities, ease the movement of people and goods, expand tourism and attract investment.
He also said the Bakassi Deep Sea Port had received Federal Government approval and support under President Tinubu, pledging that the administration would work towards making it an international maritime gateway.
According to him, the proposed port would attract shipping companies, create jobs, encourage industrial development and open up economic opportunities for businesses and households.
Shettima further said the proposal to locate the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar would increase Cross River’s international visibility, attract diplomatic and commercial activities and boost tourism and employment.
On the state’s maritime interests, he said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and its efforts to resolve the dispute over 46 oil wells. He assured the state of the government’s commitment to pursuing a resolution that could strengthen its participation in the blue economy and maritime investment.
Addressing education, the Vice President said Cross River had benefited from education funding through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as an important intervention to support students, ease the financial burden on parents and widen access to higher education.
He also highlighted Project HOPE Education, which focuses on improving foundational learning, teacher development, school management, access to quality education and accountability.
Shettima said continuity in government should go alongside public scrutiny, stressing that citizens should remain free to question government policies and demand better performance.
He assured residents that the Federal Government would continue to listen to concerns over economic hardship, address the needs of communities and make public welfare a priority.
Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the people of Cross River to support the party in the 2027 elections. He described President Tinubu as a change agent and cited projects including the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, the Calabar Port and the Trans-Sahara Superhighway as reasons for supporting the APC.
In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu commended President Tinubu for leading the country through what he described as a difficult period and setting it on the path to sustainable development.
Otu highlighted the administration’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security, expressing confidence that the people of Cross River would support the President’s re-election. He also said the benefits of the reforms would become more evident in the coming years.
The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, also commended Tinubu’s performance and called for his re-election, dismissing claims that the North would not support the President’s second-term bid.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, Shettima said the delegation was there to pay homage to the traditional institution and brief the royal father on the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.
He praised the Obong for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his efforts as worthy of emulation by political leaders.
Governor Otu also sought the royal father’s blessings and support for the APC and the Federal Government.
In his response, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and called for unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of the state. He also commended the Tinubu administration for undertaking difficult economic reforms, which he said could produce long-term benefits for the country.
The rally was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo; members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council; and other party leaders from Cross River, the South-South region and beyond.
Shettima Says Toughest Phase of Economic Reforms Is Over, Promises Nigerians ‘Era of Harvest’