September 15, 2025 – Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured global investors that Nigeria is open to investments and partnerships across multiple sectors, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on transforming the country’s economy.
Shettima made this known on Monday when he received a delegation from VISA led by the Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), Mr Tareq Muhmood, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the results of the bold reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration since its assumption of office in 2023 are proof of the government’s renewed determination to reposition the economy.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to change the face of our nation. Today, there is a great room for expansion in the Nigerian economy. 8 out of the 10 unicorns in Africa are from Nigeria,” Shettima stated.
He explained that though painful, the ongoing reforms were necessary and have started yielding positive results. “The economy has picked pace, we have crossed the rubicon and we are on a path of sustainable growth. The tax reforms are gaining traction, we are restoring discipline to the system and our foreign reserve is growing steadily,” he said.
The Vice President commended VISA’s interest in the Nigerian economy, especially its collaboration with local fintech companies. He encouraged the company to take advantage of Nigeria’s huge unbanked population in its expansion drive across Africa.
Shettima emphasised that digital payment systems are the future of electronic commercial transactions in Africa and have the potential to improve transparency and reduce corruption.
In his remarks, the VISA Regional President, Mr Muhmood, praised President Tinubu’s bold economic reforms, noting that they have contributed to recent growth in several sectors.
He said VISA’s renewed interest in Nigeria is linked to progress made in the oil and gas industry, foreign exchange regime, and tax administration. Muhmood added that the company plans to increase its stake in the Nigerian economy and engage in programmes that directly impact lives and livelihoods across sectors.
Others present at the meeting included the Senior Vice President and Head of Western and Central Africa, Aminata Kane; Vice President and Head of West Africa, Andrew Uaboi; and Senior Director and Head of Government Affairs, Chidozie Arinze.
