WEF: I’m In Davos To Sell ‘The Nigerian Dream’, Says Vice President Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the World Economic Forum in Davos, is on a mission to showcase “the Nigerian Dream” to global leaders and investors.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV, Shettima maintained that Nigeria’s presence at the forum is crucial not only for the country but for the entire African continent.

“With President Tinubu at the helm and driving forward, we’ve never had it better in terms of governance,” Shettima declared.

He added that Tinubu had entrusted him with the responsibility of promoting Nigeria’s potential and opportunities, and he was eager to do so on the world stage.

Shettima underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s trajectory, stating, “The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. So, we have to be in Davos to sell the Nigerian brand because wherever Nigeria goes, that is where Africa goes.”

While acknowledging the success stories of smaller African nations like Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda, Shettima stressed Nigeria’s unique significance due to its sheer size and economic strength.

“You know Nigeria represents Africa, the most populous nation in Africa, it has its largest economy. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa, and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. So, we have to be in Davos to sell the Nigerian brand because wherever Nigeria goes, that is where Africa goes.

“I appreciate, I applaud, I celebrate the success stories of Botswana, Mauritius, and even Rwanda, but when you look at the size, what is the population of Botswana? 2.6 million people. What is the population of Mauritius? 1.3 million; even Rwanda has a population of 14.9 million people; all are not bigger than metropolitan Kano. So the population of Nigeria is essential.”