“Boko Haram Chief of Staff” – Nigerians React as Shettima Attends World Economic Forum in Switzerland

Several reactions have trailed the news of Vice President Kashim Shettima departing Abuja to represent Nigeria at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The high-profile event, attended by world leaders, top business executives, and development partners, will discuss global economic challenges and strategies for improvement.

Shettima’s trip sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media. A civic platform Knowdemwell  has also just rated Shettima’s performance at 32.33 per cent [Low Performance], while also citing 13 corruption scandals without any convictions.

A post on X, announcing Shettima’s departure drew criticism from many Nigerians. One user, @adinachi2001, expressed skepticism about the trip’s impact:

What economic positive impact does all these meetings make to improve Nigeria’s state after attending these outings? Does it mean our leaders don’t listen or learn from what is discussed, or are they planted as agents against the Nigerian masses?

Others questioned the practicality of such trips in addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges, with calls for accountability on the outcomes of previous international engagements.

Some users also brought up his reported involvement with Boko Haram. @Ugowill wrote “Are you tired of representing Boko Haram?” While another user referred to the Vice President as “Boko Haram Chief of Staff,” all expressing disappointment and dissatisfaction with the current administration.

In October 2024, PUNCH reported that in the 17 months of the Tinubu-led administration in office, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima undertook 41 trips across 26 countries, collectively spending 180 days or six months on foreign engagements.

Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the same month, voiced concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s extended absence from the country despite mounting domestic challenges. In a post on X, Obi highlighted the troubling reality of both the President and Vice President being out of Nigeria simultaneously, leaving the nation in a precarious situation given its current economic and social hardships.

In Davos, Shettima is scheduled to participate in key workshops and bilateral meetings, including the African Development Bank-organised session, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets.” The session aims to enhance capital flow to Africa’s frontier markets and promote resilience and inclusivity on the continent.

Another major highlight will be the unveiling of the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, a joint initiative with the African Development Bank to mobilise investments in frontier markets.  Shettima will also attend an exclusive dinner for heads of state, international organisations, and business leaders at Kurpark Village, Eiger.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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