Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed his disapproval of Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the UK Conservative Party, for making negative remarks about Nigeria. Shettima addressed the issue on Monday during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.
The Vice President remarked that despite Badenoch’s criticisms of her home country, Nigeria remains a source of pride.
He emphasized that while she is entitled to her opinions, Nigeria holds a significant place as the “greatest black nation on earth.”
Shettima noted that one in every three to four Black people worldwide is Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria is expected to become the third most populous country globally, surpassing the United States.
Shettima also acknowledged the important role migrants play in contributing to society and economic development. He reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of migrants and recognizing their contributions to the country’s growth.
Badenoch, a UK Member of Parliament of Nigerian descent, came under scrutiny in 2022 when she accused Nigerian politicians of misappropriating public funds.
Following her election as UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed that her office had reached out to Badenoch but received no response.
The Vice President said, “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.
“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.
“One out of every three, four black men is a Nigerian and by 2050, Nigeria will support the United States, will be the third most populous nation on earth.”
