ABUJA, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave of absence, marking his first official vacation since assuming office in May 2023. According to the Presidency, the leave takes effect immediately and is scheduled to end on August 20, when the Vice President is expected to resume his official duties.
The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the Presidency, which explained that the leave forms part of Shettima’s annual entitlement and follows more than three years of uninterrupted public service in office. The statement noted that the Vice President had remained actively engaged in government activities since the administration took office, making the period an opportunity for rest and personal rejuvenation before returning to his official responsibilities.
During his leave, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to oversee the affairs of government in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The Presidency assured Nigerians that government operations and the delivery of public services would continue without disruption, stressing that all ministries, departments and agencies would maintain normal operations throughout the Vice President’s temporary absence.
Officials stated that the leave had been properly communicated through the appropriate constitutional and administrative channels. They emphasised that the decision reflects established practices within government and does not affect the day-to-day functioning of the executive arm or ongoing policy implementation. The Presidency also dismissed speculation surrounding the leave, insisting that it is a routine administrative matter rather than one connected to political or governance concerns.
Since assuming office alongside President Tinubu in May 2023, Shettima has represented the Federal Government at numerous domestic and international engagements, chaired meetings, supervised key government initiatives and participated in policy implementation across several sectors, including the economy, agriculture, education, energy and national security. He has also represented the President at international conferences, diplomatic engagements and investment forums aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships.
Political analysts noted that it is common for senior public officials to take annual leave after prolonged periods of official engagements. They observed that such breaks provide an opportunity for public office holders to rest while ensuring continuity of governance through existing constitutional arrangements. According to governance experts, the Nigerian Constitution provides clear mechanisms that guarantee uninterrupted administration whenever the President or Vice President is temporarily unavailable.
The Presidency reiterated that Shettima is expected to resume work on August 20 and continue carrying out his constitutional responsibilities upon his return. It expressed confidence that government programmes and ongoing reforms would proceed as scheduled during the leave period, with all relevant institutions continuing to discharge their responsibilities.
The announcement comes as the Federal Government continues implementing economic, infrastructure and social development programmes across the country. Officials maintained that the administration remains focused on delivering its policy agenda, assuring Nigerians that governance would continue seamlessly while the Vice President is away on his approved leave.
The Presidency wished the Vice President a restful leave and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability, continuity and effective governance throughout the period of his temporary absence from official duties.
