Shettima Criticizes UK’s Kemi Badenoch for Remarks About Nigeria, Defends Country’s Global Significance

Vice President Kashim Shettima has responded to controversial comments made by Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, regarding her home country, Nigeria. Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents and raised in Nigeria until the age of 16, had previously criticized Nigeria during her campaign for Conservative Party leadership. She described the country as being plagued by corruption, insecurity, and poverty, and shared personal anecdotes about growing up in a place of fear and danger.

Shettima, speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja, countered Badenoch’s remarks by emphasizing Nigeria’s importance on the global stage and the significant contributions of migrants worldwide. He drew a comparison to former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who he said never denigrated India, his ancestral homeland.

Directly addressing Badenoch, Shettima remarked, “Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party, is someone we are proud of despite her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.” He further suggested that Badenoch could remove “Kemi” from her name if she wished, but he stressed that “the greatest Black nation on earth is Nigeria.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s global relevance, Shettima pointed out that “one out of every three or four Black men is a Nigerian,” and projected that by 2050, Nigeria would be one of the world’s most populous nations, ranking third after China and India.

Badenoch, 44, has also been known for her tough stance on immigration policies and her defense of Britain’s colonial history, which has sparked further criticism. Despite her remarks, Shettima underscored Nigeria’s significance as a leader in Africa and as a global power in the making.