Vice President Kashim Shettima has publicly expressed his disappointment with Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the United Kingdom's Conservative Party. Shettima accused Badenoch of disparaging Nigeria, her country of origin, during the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue held at the State House in Abuja.

Shettima stated that despite Badenoch's efforts to denigrate Nigeria, the country remains proud of her achievements. He emphasized that Badenoch is entitled to her opinions, but that doesn't change the fact that Nigeria is the greatest black nation on earth. Shettima highlighted Nigeria's global significance, noting that one out of every three or four black men is Nigerian, and by 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth.

This isn't the first time Badenoch has been criticized for her comments about Nigeria. In 2022, she accused Nigerian politicians of mismanaging public funds. Following her election as Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) attempted to contact her office but received no response.