Vice President Kashim Shettima Advised Kemi Badenoch to Drop Her Nigerian Name Amid Criticism
Key Takeaways:
- Shettima Challenges Kemi Badenoch’s Criticism: Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, responded to Kemi Badenoch’s alleged disparagement of Nigeria, emphasizing the nation’s pride and global significance.
- Nigeria’s Global Role Spotlighted: Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence, predicting it will become the third most populous nation by 2050 and emphasizing its prominence in the global black community.
- Diaspora Engagement and Pride: Despite Badenoch’s criticisms, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to its diaspora, acknowledging its contributions while addressing the challenges of maintaining cultural pride abroad.
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Shettima on Kemi Badenoch’s Criticism of Nigeria
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called out Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, accusing her of undermining Nigeria, her country of origin.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, Shettima addressed Badenoch’s remarks and her relationship with Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima Advised Kemi Badenoch to Drop the Nigerian Name Amid Criticism
“Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Labour or Conservative Party—we are proud of her despite her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin,” Shettima said.
He further stated, “She is entitled to her opinions; she even has the right to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name. However, this does not change the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is Nigeria.”
Nigeria’s Global Significance Highlighted
Shettima used the platform to emphasize Nigeria’s influence on a global scale, asserting, “One out of every three or four black men in the world is a Nigerian.
By 2050, Nigeria will support the United States and become the third most populous nation on earth.”
The Vice President also highlighted the positive role migrants play in global economic and societal development, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting and protecting its diaspora communities.
Background on Kemi Badenoch and NIDCOM’s Response

In 2022, Kemi Badenoch, then a UK Prime Minister hopeful and British MP of Nigerian descent, accused Nigerian politicians of diverting public funds for personal gain.
Following her election as Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) attempted to reach out to her office but received no response, according to the commission’s chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Shettima’s remarks underscore Nigeria’s pride in its diaspora while addressing the criticisms levied by prominent individuals of Nigerian heritage.

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Kemi Badenoch Warns UK Over Migration Rate
UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has raised concerns about the UK’s current migration rate, warning that it risks overwhelming public services and disrupting social cohesion.
Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday during a speech and Q&A session, Badenoch pledged to introduce stricter immigration policies to address the growing challenges.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” Badenoch stated. She acknowledged the shortcomings of previous Conservative governments in managing migration effectively, vowing to take decisive action.

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Pledged Reforms: Annual Cap on Immigration
Badenoch unveiled plans for significant reforms, including implementing a hard annual cap on legal immigration.
While she did not specify a figure, she emphasized the importance of limiting migration to ease pressure on critical public services such as healthcare, housing, and wages.
“For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration.
The system that replaced free movement is not working,” she remarked, highlighting the need for a sustainable immigration framework.
Integration and National Identity
A key part of Badenoch’s proposed policies involves fostering integration and promoting a cohesive national identity.
She underscored that immigration policies should prioritize the integration of migrants into British society, with a focus on adopting shared values.
“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” she warned, noting the strain on essential services and the labor market.
She reiterated her commitment to ensuring the European Convention on Human Rights would not hinder the UK’s ability to tighten immigration laws.
A New Direction for UK Migration Policies

Badenoch’s proposals reflect a commitment to balancing migration with the UK’s capacity to maintain public services and social harmony.
Her emphasis on integration and stricter immigration controls aims to address longstanding concerns while fostering a unified national identity.
Final Thoughts:
Vice President Kashim Shettima standing firm on national pride and emphasizing Nigeria’s global significance despite criticisms from the diaspora.
On the other, Kemi Badenoch’s stance shows the tough balancing act leaders face when dealing with migration policies in a rapidly changing world.
It’s fascinating to see how migration shapes not just policies but also national identities, both in Nigeria and the UK.
For Shettima, it’s about defending Nigeria’s reputation and celebrating its influence.
For Badenoch, it’s about redefining what sustainable migration looks like for Britain while keeping public services and social cohesion in check.
What stands out is how both leaders approach their messaging—Shettima with optimism about Nigeria’s potential, and Badenoch with a more cautious, reform-driven tone.
These are important conversations that show how migration impacts everything from public policy to personal identity.
It’s a reminder of how interconnected the world has become.
Whether you’re looking at this through a political, social, or cultural lens, it’s clear these debates are shaping the future in profound ways. What do you think?