Vice President Kashim Shettima has asserted that Nigeria’s core governance challenge is rooted in fiscal irresponsibility rather than flaws in its federal structure.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, at the 7th LEADERSHIP Newspaper Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for judicious resource management across all levels of government.
The conference, held at the State House Conference Centre, focused on the theme: “Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism” and drew policymakers, economists, and thought leaders nationwide.
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“The Nigerian challenge lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” Shettima said. “The issue is not merely how much each federating unit accrues, but how judiciously such resources are utilised.”
He argued that many of Nigeria’s problems result from mismanagement rather than systemic flaws, urging leaders to focus on governance that directly improves lives—delivering essentials like water, electricity, education, and healthcare.
Shettima applauded LEADERSHIP Newspaper for fostering dialogue and shaping national legacy, praising its role as a platform for public engagement. He also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s reform efforts, such as promoting local government autonomy and bold fiscal policies including fuel subsidy removal and tax restructuring.
“No federal system is perfect. Every federation evolves,” he noted, urging caution against borrowing models from countries like Canada, Germany, and Spain without adapting them to Nigeria’s unique context.
He underscored the administration’s vision of a responsive federation: “We have chosen the path of reform. It is bold, often difficult, but necessary.”
The Vice President also commended the event’s award recipients, describing their recognition as both a celebration and a call to duty. “Nigeria needs more than policy. Nigeria needs patriots—citizens, leaders, and institutions ready to be counted when it matters most,” he said.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, delivered a goodwill message, reaffirming the government’s commitment to press freedom. “We do not tamper with press freedom,” he said, hailing LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s contributions to democratic discourse.
Earlier, LEADERSHIP Group Chairperson, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, opened the event by encouraging citizens to pursue excellence and be agents of positive change. “Each of us has the potential to be a catalyst for change,” she said. “Let us push boundaries and make the world a better place for future generations.”
The event celebrated individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development. Nda-Isaiah described the honorees as “leaders and role models whose hard work and achievements inspire us all.”
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