Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave approved by President Bola Tinubu, his first official leave since taking office on May 29, 2023.
The development was announced 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 period for “study, reflection and intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued national service.”
Nkwocha explained that the leave would enable the Vice President to assess the administration’s ongoing programmes, broaden his knowledge of emerging national and global policy issues, and better prepare for future responsibilities as the Federal Government advances the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Office of the Vice President noted that since assuming office, “Shettima has remained engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.”
Shettima also serves as Chairman of the National Economic Council, which comprises the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other government officials responsible for deliberating on economic policies and the welfare of citizens.
In addition, the Vice President has represented President Tinubu at several regional and international events, including the G20 and AU-EU summits held last November. He attended the meetings while the President remained in Nigeria during the peak of the kidnapping incidents in Papiri, Niger State, and Eruku, Kwara State.
Nkwocha added that Shettima remains committed to the principles of loyalty, duty and service that have characterised his role in the administration, as well as supporting the President’s vision of a safer, more productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The Vice President is expected to return to work after the two-week leave and resume his official duties on or around August 20, 2026.