‘Nigeria Has No Business Being Poor’ — Vice President, Shettima

• Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has no business being poor, urging greater investment in agriculture and other untapped sectors to unlock the country’s economic potential.

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has no reason to remain poor, insisting that the country’s vast natural resources and economic potential could make it one of the richest nations in the world if properly harnessed.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the Agric, Development and Investment Summit in Abuja.

Indonesia’s palm oil success

The Vice President cited Indonesia as an example of how strategic investment in agriculture can transform an economy.

According to him, Indonesia generated about $25 billion from crude palm oil exports in 2025—an amount he said surpassed Nigeria’s earnings from crude oil exports.

“Indonesia is an oil-producing nation, but in 2025 it earned 25 billion dollars from crude palm oil. Its revenue exceeded Nigeria’s oil revenue,” he said.

Untapped wealth in the Niger Delta

Shettima also highlighted the enormous economic potential of the Niger Delta, describing it as the world’s third-largest delta with significant opportunities in mariculture.

He said the region is well-suited for fish farming and the cultivation of high-value species such as salmon, tuna and lobsters.

“The Niger Delta is the third largest delta in the world, and it is endowed with enormous marine resources,” he said.

‘We have no business being poor’

The Vice President stressed that developing Nigeria’s agricultural and marine resources could transform the country’s economy and improve the lives of millions.

“In this great nation of ours, we have no business being poor. We have the potential to be one of the richest countries in the world.”

He added that some parts of Nigeria possess such enormous economic potential that, with the right investments, they could generate massive wealth for the country.