Shettima: Governments Must Not Ignore Employers
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector, saying no administration can effectively manage the economy without maintaining close engagement with employers.
Speaking at the 5th Nigerian Employers’ Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, the Vice President, represented by the President’s Special Adviser on General Duties and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said the government remained committed to creating a more business-friendly environment by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and digitising public services.
He noted that reforms initiated by the Federal Government should have practical impacts on businesses across the country, including in Lagos, Kano, Aba and other commercial centres, without unnecessary delays.
According to Shettima, the summit came at a critical period when Nigeria was implementing far-reaching economic reforms that required open and honest conversations about key issues such as production costs, taxation, exchange rates, access to finance and investment.
He said businesses thrive on stable policies, quality infrastructure, reliable electricity and fair taxation rather than promises or sentiments.
The Vice President praised President Bola Tinubu for taking difficult but necessary economic decisions, noting that countries with successful economies achieved prosperity through bold reforms backed by strong leadership and long-term vision.
He said responsible leadership requires both the foresight to identify necessary changes and the courage to implement them despite the challenges involved.
Shettima also commended the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) for its nearly seven decades of promoting dialogue between government, organised labour, development partners and the business community.
Reflecting on the administration’s economic reforms, he said the Tinubu government inherited an economy burdened by unsustainable fuel subsidies, a fragmented foreign exchange system, weak government revenue and declining investor confidence.
He explained that although delaying reforms would have been politically easier, the administration chose to confront the country’s structural challenges through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at laying a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth by restoring macroeconomic stability, improving investor confidence and creating an environment where businesses can expand.
Shettima defended the removal of fuel subsidies and reforms in the foreign exchange market, saying both measures were necessary to eliminate economic distortions, promote transparency and encourage productive investment.
He added that the government’s fiscal and tax reforms were designed to simplify tax administration, reduce multiple taxation, support small businesses, protect vulnerable citizens and broaden the tax base while encouraging voluntary compliance.
The Vice President reiterated that the private sector only seeks an environment where doing business is not made unnecessarily difficult, noting that delays in approvals and unclear regulations increase operating costs for businesses.
He assured participants that the Federal Government would continue simplifying administrative processes and embracing digital solutions to ensure businesses nationwide experience the benefits of ongoing reforms.
Earlier, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale Oyerinde, said the Employers’ Summit had, over the past five years, consistently produced practical policy recommendations that had guided successive governments.
He added that since its inaugural edition at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the summit had become an important platform for strengthening cooperation between the government and the organised private sector while shaping national economic discussions.
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