By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, 6 August, 2026 began a two-week leave approved by President Bola Tinubu, his first break from official duties since being sworn in on Monday, 29 May,2023.
The leave, according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, will be used by Shettima for study, reflection and intellectual renewal to strengthen his capacity for continued national service.
Nkwocha explained that the period offers the Vice President an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The statement 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.
He also chairs the National Economic Council, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other public officials to deliberate on economic policy and citizen welfare.
Beyond his domestic responsibilities, Shettima has repeatedly represented the President at major international and regional engagements, including standing in for Tinubu at the G20 and AU-EU summits last November, among other high-level multilateral gatherings, particularly at a time when the President opted to remain in the country at the height of the kidnappings in Papiri, Niger State, and Eruku, Kwara State.
Nkwocha said Shettima remained deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting the President’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The Vice President is expected to resume his official responsibilities on or around August 20, 2026, at the end of the two-week period.
