Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

This marks the Vice President’s first official vacation since the inauguration of the current administration on May 29, 2023.

The leave, which began on Thursday, August 6, 2026, will see the VP Shettima step away from official duties to focus on study, reflection and intellectual renewal aimed at enhancing his capacity for public service.

This development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

According to the statement, the leave will provide Shettima with an opportunity to assess the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the next phase of implementing the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“During the period, the Vice President will devote time to study, reflection and intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation,” the statement read.

It added, “The leave offers Senator Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Presidency highlighted Shettima’s active role in government since taking office, noting that he has supervised and coordinated several strategic initiatives in critical sectors, including economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

The statement also noted that the Vice President has continued to chair meetings of the National Economic Council, which comprises the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other key government officials responsible for shaping economic policies and improving citizens’ welfare.

Beyond domestic engagements, Shettima has represented President Tinubu at several international and regional forums, where he advanced Nigeria’s interests on issues relating to economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development.

The statement added that the Vice President “remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.”

Shettima is expected to return to office at the expiration of the two-week leave and resume his official duties.

“The Vice President will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.”

This development also comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties intensifying consultations, alliances and internal realignments in preparation for what is likely to be a keenly contested presidential race.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the presidential, Senate and House of Representatives elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.