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Tag: Kashim Shettima

  • Shettima Defends Nigeria’s ₦68 Trillion Budget Amid Reform Debate!

    Reported by Musa Antiketu, Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    ABUJA, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended Nigeria’s expanded 2026 budget, now standing at about ₦68.32 trillion after National Assembly adjustments, and pushed back against calls for fiscal downsizing as critics question the country’s spending priorities and implementation record. The debate sharpened in Abuja on April 14, 2026, as economists, lawmakers and civil society groups renewed pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over debt, deficits and delivery. (thecable.ng)

    Shettima’s defence places the government on one side of a widening national argument over whether Nigeria needs a bigger budget to fund recovery or a tighter one to reduce waste. The administration says the spending plan supports infrastructure, security and social programmes in Africa’s most populous country. Critics say past budgets promised the same outcomes but delivered weak execution and limited public relief. (thecable.ng)

    Why The Budget Fight Matters

    The federal budget now sits at the centre of Nigeria’s reform debate because it combines large expenditure plans with continuing pressure on revenue, debt service and inflation. TheCable reported on April 10, 2026, that the National Assembly raised the 2026 Appropriation Act from ₦58.47 trillion to ₦68.32 trillion. Premium Times reported on March 31, 2026, that President Tinubu initially asked lawmakers to lift the draft budget from ₦58.4 trillion to ₦67.7 trillion. (thecable.ng)

    That scale matters because Nigeria continues to face costly borrowing, a weak naira and high living costs. Premium Times reported in December 2025 that lawmakers had already voiced concerns about implementation after the government sought to extend the 2025 budget cycle into 2026. TheCable also reported that only about 17 percent of the 2025 capital budget had been released by the third quarter before the extension request. (thecable.ng)

    Government Says Spending Must Match Need

    The Tinubu administration argues that Nigeria cannot fix roads, power shortages, insecurity and social pressure with a small budget. In his March 30, 2026 letter to the National Assembly, Tinubu said the proposed adjustment would support “orderly budget execution,” “fiscal transparency” and “effective implementation of priority national programmes,” according to TheCable and Premium Times. (thecable.ng)

    That argument reflects a broader belief inside government that the country needs a large fiscal push after years of underinvestment. Supporters say the budget aims to back education, transport, agriculture and security at a time when Nigeria continues to battle inflation and infrastructure deficits. The government’s position also links the budget to its wider reform agenda, which includes subsidy removal, exchange-rate changes and tax changes. (thecable.ng)

    Critics Push Back On Execution

    Policy analysts and civic voices say the size of the budget alone does not guarantee better outcomes. Their central complaint focuses on execution: they argue that Nigeria has repeatedly passed large budgets without delivering projects at the scale promised. Premium Times and TheCable have both reported in recent months that lawmakers and commentators questioned whether government could implement the 2025 and 2026 plans fully. (thecable.ng)

    The concern goes beyond accounting. It touches public trust. When the state asks citizens to accept higher taxes, subsidy removal and more borrowing, critics say officials must prove that each naira reaches roads, schools, hospitals and security agencies. Without that proof, they argue, a larger budget can become a larger liability. (premiumtimesng.com)

    Implementation Still Drives The Real Test

    The 2026 budget debate also exposes a recurring problem in Nigeria’s public finance system: the gap between appropriation and execution. TheCable reported on December 19, 2025, that Tinubu sought more time to implement the 2025 budget because the government had struggled to release capital funds fully. That report said the president wanted the 2025 budget extended to March 31, 2026, to allow fuller implementation. (thecable.ng)

    Premium Times reported that the 2026 budget framework also underwent changes during legislative scrutiny, including updated assumptions on revenue and expenditure. The same report said lawmakers endorsed a 2026 federal budget framework of ₦54.46 trillion before the later increase. That sequence shows how fast Nigeria’s budget numbers can shift before implementation even begins. (premiumtimesng.com)

    Political Stakes For Tinubu And Shettima

    The budget argument now carries direct political weight for Tinubu and Shettima. The vice president has positioned the administration as reform-minded and determined to rebuild public finances, but critics will judge the government by results, not rhetoric. If the state fails to show visible gains in roads, power, food prices and security, the opposition will use the budget as evidence of overreach. (thecable.ng)

    Supporters say a lean budget would only mask deeper structural problems. They argue that a country of more than 220 million people cannot solve its needs with austerity alone. Critics respond that Nigeria does not suffer from too little ambition; it suffers from too much leakage, poor procurement and weak follow-through. (thecable.ng)

    Legal And Institutional Questions

    Nigeria’s budget process runs through the executive and the National Assembly under the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Tinubu’s March 30 request to lawmakers, reported by TheCable, shows the legal route the executive must follow to alter expenditure plans before approval. That process gives parliament the power to revise assumptions, but it also creates room for disputes over transparency and final figures. (thecable.ng)

    The legal question now concerns not only approval but accountability. Once the appropriation act passes, ministries and agencies must spend within the law and report progress. If capital releases lag or project delivery stalls, the argument over budget size quickly turns into a question about administrative competence and oversight. (thecable.ng)

    What The Numbers Mean For Nigerians

    The budget’s size sounds abstract until it meets the daily cost of living. Nigeria has spent the past two years wrestling with higher food prices, weaker purchasing power and a sharply devalued currency. AFP noted in a June 2025 fact check that analysts linked rising hardship to Tinubu’s reforms and the country’s economic strain after subsidy removal and currency changes. (factcheck.afp.com)

    That means the budget fight goes far beyond Abuja. Traders in Lagos, farmers in Benue, students in Enugu and civil servants in Kano all feel the consequences when spending turns into inflation, debt service or delayed projects. In practical terms, a large budget only matters if it improves transport, power supply, health services and food distribution. (thecable.ng)

    Pan-African Significance

    Nigeria’s fiscal debate carries weight across Africa because the country often shapes investor sentiment in West Africa and influences policy conversations in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal. When Abuja expands spending, lenders, ratings analysts and business leaders across the continent watch for signals about debt tolerance, tax reform and public-sector discipline. A successful Nigerian budget can encourage confidence in other large African economies. A failed one can deepen doubts about public finance reform more broadly. (thecable.ng)

    The debate also mirrors a wider African dilemma. Governments in Kenya, Ghana and South Africa also face pressure to fund infrastructure and social protection while preserving fiscal credibility. Nigeria’s choices therefore matter beyond its borders because they help define whether big African economies can pair reform with delivery, or whether they will continue to announce ambitious budgets that outpace implementation. (thecable.ng)

    What Happens Next

    The next test comes in execution, not speeches. Parliament will monitor implementation, the finance ministry will face pressure to publish spending progress, and watchdog groups will track whether projects move from paper to construction. If the government cannot show results before the next budget cycle, the argument for a smaller and more disciplined fiscal plan will grow louder. (thecable.ng)

    For now, Shettima’s defence signals that the administration intends to keep betting on scale. The real question for Nigeria, and for observers across Africa, will not be whether the budget grows again. It will be whether the state can finally turn a bigger number into better governance. (premiumtimesng.com)

    Sources:

    • TheCable, reported that Tinubu sought a ₦9 trillion increase to the 2026 budget and later that lawmakers raised the budget to ₦68.32 trillion, March–April 2026.
    • Premium Times, reported on Tinubu’s budget increase request and the Senate/House budget coverage, March–April 2026.
    • TheCable, reported on the 2025 budget extension request and implementation concerns, December 2025.
    • AFP Fact Check, reported on Nigeria’s fiscal strain, debt context and reform-related hardship, June 2025.

  • Shettima Visits Borno After Benisheikh Attack, Mourns Soldiers!

    Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor-in-Chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

    MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Borno State after the deadly Benisheikh attack that killed several soldiers, including a senior officer. He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolences to the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the federal government’s pledge to intensify the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

    The visit came as Nigeria faced fresh pressure over the persistence of extremist violence in Borno, the epicentre of the country’s long-running insurgency. Authorities say they will step up military operations to prevent similar attacks.

    Shettima’s Return To A Wounded State

    Shettima’s trip to Borno carried heavy symbolism because he once served as governor of the state and now returned as vice president at a moment of renewed grief. His presence sought to reassure troops and civilians that Abuja remains focused on the insurgency even after the Benisheikh assault.

    The Benisheikh attack has once again exposed the vulnerability of military installations in the North-East. It also showed that Boko Haram and related armed groups still retain the capacity to strike soldiers and inflict significant losses.

    Shettima’s message to the military centred on solidarity and federal support. By delivering Tinubu’s condolences in person, he aimed to show that the presidency viewed the attack not as an isolated incident, but as part of a broader security challenge that demands sustained response.

    Benisheikh And The Cost Of Insurgency

    Benisheikh has long sat inside the geography of Nigeria’s conflict with Boko Haram. The area has repeatedly faced attacks, ambushes, and military responses that left residents and troops exposed to cycles of violence and retaliation.

    That pattern matters because each attack strengthens public concern that the insurgency remains far from over. Even when the military records successes, single assaults like this remind Nigerians that armed groups still exploit weak spots in the security architecture.

    The reported death of a senior officer makes the attack especially significant. Losses at that level often trigger internal military scrutiny and wider public concern because they suggest that insurgents can hit command-linked targets, not only rank-and-file personnel.

    Federal Government Under Pressure

    Shettima used the visit to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to crushing insurgency in the North-East. That message reflects the administration’s need to show resolve after repeated attacks have raised questions about the pace and effectiveness of its security response.

    The government now faces a familiar challenge. It must convince the public that military pressure remains intense while also showing that troops on the ground have the support, intelligence, and equipment needed to hold territory and protect communities.

    The Benisheikh attack therefore places fresh weight on the Tinubu administration’s security promises. Nigerians in the North-East want more than condolences; they want evidence that the state can stop insurgents from striking again.

    Soldiers On The Front Line

    Shettima’s visit also acknowledged the burden carried by soldiers stationed in the theatre. Troops in Borno continue to operate under conditions that mix uncertainty, fatigue, and the constant threat of ambush or attack.

    That reality helps explain why visits like this matter. They give the military public backing and remind frontline personnel that the political leadership sees their sacrifice.

    But morale alone will not solve the problem. Soldiers still need timely intelligence, reliable logistics, and a clearer operational edge if the armed forces want to reduce the insurgents’ ability to mount repeated attacks.

    The Nigerian Army will likely continue reviewing how the Benisheikh assault succeeded and what security gaps allowed it to unfold. Those reviews often shape future deployments and may determine whether similar bases receive stronger protection.

    Why Borno Remains The Epicentre

    Borno remains the centre of Nigeria’s insurgency because Boko Haram first entrenched itself there and has continued to exploit the terrain, displacement, and uneven state presence. The state has lived through years of combat, military offensives, and humanitarian crisis.

    That makes any new attack more than a local incident. It becomes another reminder that the conflict has not fully shifted into history, even if Abuja often speaks of progress and diminished capacity among extremist groups.

    The persistence of violence also affects civilian life. Families, traders, farmers, and aid workers all feel the consequences when attacks near military sites or transport corridors unsettle daily movement and economic activity.

    For many residents, the emotional toll runs alongside the material one. Every fresh attack reopens memories of loss and forces communities to calculate whether safety can ever fully return.

    What The Visit Signals

    Shettima’s presence in Borno signalled that the presidency wants to be seen as engaged and present in the crisis zone. That visual message matters in Nigerian politics because it shows accountability in moments when public frustration rises after deadly attacks.

    The vice president also carried the burden of continuity. By expressing Tinubu’s condolences, he linked the presidency directly to the grief of soldiers and the wider security struggle in the North-East.

    That link matters because state response often shapes public trust after a major attack. When senior officials arrive quickly, they can calm tensions and reinforce the impression that the government is acting. When they delay, fear and criticism tend to grow.

    Pan-African Significance

    The Benisheikh attack matters beyond Nigeria because extremist violence continues to unsettle several African regions, including the Lake Chad basin, the Sahel, and parts of the Horn of Africa. Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad all face overlapping security pressures from armed groups that exploit weak border control and local vulnerabilities.

    For the African Union and neighbouring states, the lesson remains clear: insurgency spreads through shared geography and shared insecurity. An attack in Borno can influence military planning, humanitarian response, and border security far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

    The vice president’s visit therefore carries regional meaning. It reflects the continued need for African states to coordinate intelligence, patrol routes, and counter-insurgency operations if they want to prevent armed groups from moving across frontiers.

    What Happens Next

    The next stage will depend on how the military responds to the Benisheikh attack and whether authorities provide more detail on the casualties and the operational lessons learned. Nigerians will be watching for evidence that the government can turn condolence into action.

    If intensified operations follow, the visit may help restore confidence. If attacks continue without disruption, the pressure on the Tinubu administration will only grow, especially in Borno and other parts of the North-East.

    Sources:

    • BBC News, reporting on the Benisheikh attack and Borno security situation, 2026.
    • Reuters, reporting on Shettima’s visit to Borno and military casualties, 2026.
    • Al Jazeera, coverage of Nigeria’s insurgency and official response in Borno, 2026.
    • Sele Media Africa, related coverage of security developments in Nigeria, https://selemedia.org/

  • Shettima Slams ADC’s Online Membership Drive as ‘Compromised’ Ahead of 2027 Elections!

    Shettima Slams ADC’s Online Membership Drive as ‘Compromised’ Ahead of 2027 Elections!

    Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has publicly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its online membership registration, alleging that the platform was riddled with fake names and fictitious identities, undermining the credibility of the opposition party’s digital outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Delivering remarks on Thursday at the State House in Abuja during an interfaith Ramadan and Lent breaking of fast representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Shettima said the flawed registration exposed structural weaknesses in the ADC’s political strategy.

    “The same people who insisted on electronic transmission of votes opened their membership portal, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” Shettima stated, framing the issue as indicative of broader challenges within Nigeria’s opposition movements.

    The Vice President, representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at official events, extended his critique beyond the registration exercise, asserting that opposition politics in Nigeria have often been driven by “lies and hypocrisy.” He called on APC supporters to remain vigilant and focused as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.

    Context and Political Implications
    The ADC launched its nationwide online membership registration as part of efforts to expand and formalise its base, in line with the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates digital registers for political parties ahead of primaries and conventions. The move mirrors similar initiatives by other parties, including the Accord Party, which recently introduced e‑registration mechanisms for members.

    Shettima’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s multi-party landscape, highlighting the growing significance of technology, data integrity, and electoral preparedness in shaping political engagement. Critics, however, may interpret the Vice President’s comments as politically strategic rhetoric amid intensifying pre-election competition.

    Outlook
    As Nigeria’s political season accelerates, the credibility of party structures and digital platforms will remain pivotal in shaping public trust and participation. Across the spectrum, political actors are expected to leverage narratives around digital integrity to strengthen legitimacy and electoral competitiveness.

    Sources:
    DailyReport.ng
    TVC News
    AllAfrica.com
    Independent.ng

  • Shettima Slams ADC’s Online Membership Drive as ‘Compromised’ Ahead of 2027 Elections!

    Shettima Slams ADC’s Online Membership Drive as ‘Compromised’ Ahead of 2027 Elections!

    Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa

    Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has publicly criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its online membership registration, alleging that the platform was riddled with fake names and fictitious identities, undermining the credibility of the opposition party’s digital outreach ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Delivering remarks on Thursday at the State House in Abuja during an interfaith Ramadan and Lent breaking of fast representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Shettima said the flawed registration exposed structural weaknesses in the ADC’s political strategy.

    “The same people who insisted on electronic transmission of votes opened their membership portal, and it was flooded with fake names and fictitious identities,” Shettima stated, framing the issue as indicative of broader challenges within Nigeria’s opposition movements.

    The Vice President, representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at official events, extended his critique beyond the registration exercise, asserting that opposition politics in Nigeria have often been driven by “lies and hypocrisy.” He called on APC supporters to remain vigilant and focused as the country approaches the next electoral cycle.

    Context and Political Implications
    The ADC launched its nationwide online membership registration as part of efforts to expand and formalise its base, in line with the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates digital registers for political parties ahead of primaries and conventions. The move mirrors similar initiatives by other parties, including the Accord Party, which recently introduced e‑registration mechanisms for members.

    Shettima’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s multi-party landscape, highlighting the growing significance of technology, data integrity, and electoral preparedness in shaping political engagement. Critics, however, may interpret the Vice President’s comments as politically strategic rhetoric amid intensifying pre-election competition.

    Outlook
    As Nigeria’s political season accelerates, the credibility of party structures and digital platforms will remain pivotal in shaping public trust and participation. Across the spectrum, political actors are expected to leverage narratives around digital integrity to strengthen legitimacy and electoral competitiveness.

    Sources:
    DailyReport.ng
    TVC News
    AllAfrica.com
    Independent.ng