Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking his first official leave since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the statement, Shettima will use the leave period for “study, reflection and intellectual renewal” as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The Presidency explained that the break would provide the Vice President with an opportunity to assess the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the next phase of implementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since taking office alongside President Tinubu in May 2023, Shettima has played a central role in coordinating and supervising key government initiatives, particularly in the areas of economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He also chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), the constitutional body that brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other senior public officials to deliberate on economic policies and issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his domestic responsibilities, the Vice President has represented President Tinubu at several high-level international and regional engagements, including the G20 and African Union-European Union summits held last November.
According to the Presidency, Shettima’s representation at those events allowed President Tinubu to remain in Nigeria during periods of heightened security concerns, including the kidnapping incidents in Papiri, Niger State, and Eruku, Kwara State.
The statement did not indicate any changes to government operations during the Vice President’s absence, as his leave is expected to conclude after two weeks.