Video: VP Shettima accuses UK party leader Kemi Badenoch of denigrating Nigeria

December 10, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has criticized UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for her disparaging remarks about Nigeria.

Shettima made the comments during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.

“Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party. We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin,” Shettima said.

He added, “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.”

Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s significance on the global stage, stating, “One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States, and will be the third most populous nation on earth.”

In 2022, Badenoch accused Nigerian politicians of misappropriating public funds. Following her election as UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) reached out to her office but received no response.

Shettima also highlighted the crucial role migrants play in shaping society and contributing to economic growth.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting migrant rights and celebrating their contributions to national development.