Shettima stated this on Monday while addressing leaders and members of the City Boy Movement at the State House Conference Hall in Abuja, where he acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians have endured since the reforms were introduced.
He said the administration had demonstrated the political will to confront the country’s structural economic weaknesses instead of postponing difficult decisions, insisting that the sacrifices of Nigerians must translate into improved living conditions, better livelihoods and greater opportunities.
“What distinguishes this administration from its predecessors is our refusal to pay lip service to the structural reforms Nigeria needs.
“We owe that resolve to the visionary, audacious, tenacious, sagacious architect of our renewal, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.
“His courage has drawn Nigeria back from the edge of an economic calamity that continued delay would have made inevitable,” he said.
The vice president maintained that Tinubu understood the dangers of delaying essential reforms, noting that the administration had chosen to confront longstanding economic challenges rather than allow them to worsen.
However, he acknowledged the hardship associated with the reforms, stressing that the government must demonstrate tangible results to justify the sacrifices demanded of citizens.
“We recognise the pressures Nigerians have endured, and our obligation is to ensure that their sacrifices yield better livelihoods.
“We must earn that patience by listening attentively, correcting what fails and measuring progress against the daily experience of households,” he added.
Shettima also praised Tinubu’s leadership style, describing his ability to accommodate different interests and build political alliances as a significant factor in strengthening cooperation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, effective governance requires not only sound policies but also the ability to manage people, reconcile differences and create opportunities for diverse groups to contribute to national development.
“Beyond the science of developing solutions, governance is also the art of managing people.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) has become a template for unifying diverse groups, because Mr President understands the calculus of inclusion.
“He listens to those who disagree with him, recognises talent beyond familiar circles, and gives competing interests a stake in shared success,” he also said.
The vice president commended the City Boy Movement for its role in communicating government policies, countering misinformation and encouraging political participation based on issues rather than personalities.
He said the movement had helped bridge the communication gap between the government and citizens by taking policy discussions beyond official channels and into communities.
“Thanks to you, we lead in issue-based politics, policies find interpreters in communities far beyond the reach of official statements, falsehood encounters resistance, difficult decisions receive a patient hearing, and the distance between government and the governed continues to narrow,” he said.
Shettima further portrayed Tinubu as a leader whose development agenda extended beyond immediate political considerations, citing his support for the development of reclaimed land along the Atlantic coastline as an example of long-term planning.
He said the president’s vision encompassed future generations, new industries and opportunities that might not yield immediate political benefits but could contribute to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
“He thinks beyond the calendar of an administration. He treats the future as a responsibility owed to those who cannot yet vote, plans for citizens yet unborn, industries yet to be established, and for possibilities that timid minds dismiss before examining them,” he added.
The vice president also underscored the importance of youth participation in governance, describing the involvement of young Nigerians in political advocacy and public affairs as essential to sustaining democracy and preparing future generations for leadership.
“Your participation in politics and governance gives us confidence that the next generation will inherit the responsibilities of citizenship with conviction.
“We owe your faith an honest account of our stewardship, and a country in which your talents can flourish,” he said.
He urged members of the City Boy Movement to remain committed to national unity, responsible political engagement and constructive public discourse, while expressing appreciation for their continued support for the Tinubu administration.
