By Adenike Lawal
On December 10, 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, for her perceived disparaging remarks about Nigeria, her country of origin.
The Vice President made his comments during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.
Expressing mixed sentiments, Shettima acknowledged Badenoch’s achievements while condemning her criticisms of Nigeria.
“We are proud of her Nigerian heritage, even as she tries to denigrate her nation of origin,” he remarked.
Shettima pointed out that while Badenoch is entitled to her opinions and could distance herself from her Nigerian identity, it does not diminish Nigeria’s global significance.
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s demographic prominence, stating, “One out of every three or four Black men in the world is Nigerian,” and projected that by 2050, Nigeria will rank among the top three most populous nations globally.
He also underlined the country’s potential for influence on international affairs.
Shettima’s rebuke is rooted in past statements by Badenoch, who in 2022 accused Nigerian leaders of mismanaging public resources.
Following her election in November 2024, efforts by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to establish contact with her office reportedly yielded no response.
Beyond his critique of Badenoch, Shettima also emphasized the critical role of migrants in fostering societal and economic development, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting migrant rights and recognizing their contributions to the nation’s progress.
This dialogue underscores Nigeria’s pride in its diaspora while confronting narratives that undermine the country’s image on the global stage.
