Lawrence Olaoye 
Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged the newly appointed Board of Directors of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to diversify the nation’s investment portfolio in order to support key sectors of the economy.
He specifically reminded the board members of their stewardship role as “custodians of the collective patrimony of the people of Nigeria.”
Speaking yesterday during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the NSIA at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima outlined the administration’s vision for the NSIA, drawing comparisons with more established sovereign wealth funds.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s late entry into the sovereign wealth funds, he said, “The Norwegian, the Qatari and the Saudi Arabians had a head start much earlier than we thought of establishing one, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step.
It’s better late than never.” The Vice President stressed the need to support the real economy, particularly highlighting the NSIA’s role in agricultural revitalisation.
He added: “You have been supporting the nation in our agricultural revitalisation endeavours, especially in the purchase of agricultural inputs. I want you to sustain that tempo.”
While assuring the board of President Bola Tinubu’s full support in achieving national aspirations, Shettima emphasized the critical need for teamwork.
“The moment you are working at cross purposes, we will not meet our goals and aspirations,” he cautioned. Earlier, Chairman of the NSIA Board of Directors, Segun Ogunsanya, said the visit became necessary to en llable members of the Board to introduce themselves to the Vice President.
He thanked Vice President and all members of the National Economic Council (NEC), saying they treasure the confidence the Council has reposed in the Board. Ogunsanya said members of the NSIA Board of Directors were looking forward to submitting their last audited accounts to NEC.
He said: “The principles upon which NSIA was founded will remain unchanged – the principle of transparency, of accountability. These are the two pillars upon which NSIA was founded, and that is what I am committing to, on behalf of my colleagues at the Board of Directors.
