Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and concluding a series of high-level engagements in Germany.
The Vice-President’s Spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed his return in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. The week-long international mission, according to Nkwocha, was a demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed foreign policy thrust under President Tinubu, which places emphasis on reform, global investment attraction, and strengthening strategic partnerships.
Shettima at UNGA 80
While in New York, Vice-President Shettima stood in for President Tinubu during the 80th UNGA session, where he delivered Nigeria’s national statement before world leaders. In his address, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism but emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations system, especially the Security Council, to reflect current global realities.
The Vice-President insisted that Africa must no longer be sidelined in global decision-making, stressing that the continent deserves greater representation. He particularly called attention to Nigeria’s longstanding quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, noting that the country’s population, economic strength, and peacekeeping record make it a deserving candidate.
Advocacy for Africa’s Sovereignty Over Resources
A major highlight of Shettima’s UNGA address was his strong push for Africa’s sovereignty over its mineral and natural resources. He stated that Africa’s estimated $700 billion worth of mineral deposits should primarily benefit its people rather than foreign entities.
“The wealth of Africa must no longer fuel underdevelopment. It must serve the aspirations of Africans themselves,” Shettima told global leaders, urging international cooperation that respects the ownership rights of African nations.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Beyond his speech at the General Assembly, Shettima engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings with global leaders and international organizations. He met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent and expressed support for the country’s ambition to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Shettima also deepened Nigeria’s relationships with major development partners, including the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other philanthropic and financial institutions. These engagements, Nkwocha said, focused on accelerating investments in health, education, agriculture, and technology, as well as building stronger cooperation on climate change and energy transition.
Showcasing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Agenda
Another significant aspect of Shettima’s international mission was showcasing Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to prospective global investors. He outlined the government’s plans to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, invest in renewable energy, and open new frontiers for private-sector participation.
By presenting Nigeria as a hub for clean energy investments, Shettima sought to position the country as a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy while also addressing domestic energy needs.
Engagement with Nigerians in Diaspora
The Vice-President also held meetings with the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States, reassuring them of their integral role in President Tinubu’s administration. He stressed that Nigerians abroad remain critical stakeholders in national development, not only through remittances but also through their skills, expertise, and investments.
He assured them of robust engagement with government policies and encouraged them to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s economic sectors.
Germany Engagements
After his participation at the UNGA, Shettima proceeded to Germany, where he held a series of strategic meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relations with Europe’s largest economy. His engagements in Germany centered on economic cooperation, investment in infrastructure, technology transfer, and trade expansion.
Nkwocha noted that Shettima used the opportunity to market Nigeria as a reliable destination for European investments, emphasizing the administration’s efforts to create a conducive business environment through reforms and incentives.
Return to Nigeria
With his return to Abuja, Vice-President Shettima is expected to brief President Tinubu on the outcomes of his international engagements. Analysts believe the trip has positioned Nigeria more strongly on the global stage, while also unlocking fresh opportunities in trade, investment, and diplomatic support.
Nkwocha stressed that Shettima’s participation at the UNGA and his follow-up engagements in Germany reinforced the Tinubu administration’s commitment to making Nigeria’s voice heard globally, while also advancing domestic priorities through international cooperation.
“The Vice-President has returned with new prospects that will benefit Nigeria’s economic growth, energy reforms, and global standing,” the spokesperson said.
As Nigeria continues to navigate both domestic challenges and international obligations, Shettima’s successful foreign engagements are being viewed as a signal of renewed diplomatic energy from Abuja.