Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its timely actions to stabilize the naira, warning that without such intervention, the currency could have reached N1,000 to the dollar “in weeks, not months.”

Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) – Renewed Hope Ambassadors Strategic Summit in Abuja, highlighted the CBN’s recent mop-up of about $190 million from the foreign exchange market, which curbed rapid currency appreciation after three sessions of decline.

He praised the administration’s fiscal discipline and reforms, noting moderating inflation, stabilizing oil prices, and a stronger currency. Addressing speculators, he warned against hoarding dollars, emphasizing the recovering economy.

Beyond economic matters, Shettima called for reconciliation between Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume and Hyacinth Alia, urging them to work together for the development and peace of Benue State. He framed unity as essential for national progress, quoting Martin Luther King on the importance of living together in harmony.

Shettima also tasked Renewed Hope Ambassadors, under Hope Uzodimma, with public engagement to promote understanding of reforms, counter misinformation, and link government policies to jobs, security, and opportunities. Highlighting the 2026 N58.18 trillion budget, he underscored record capital spending, security funding, tax reforms, and measures to reduce federation account waste.

He concluded by stressing that genuine elections are determined by citizens on the ground, not social media platforms, and called for ambassadors to actively reach communities nationwide, reinforcing a vision of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.