Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week of high-level diplomatic engagements, representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and rounding off strategic meetings in Germany.
His spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, who confirmed his arrival in Abuja in a statement issued on Thursday, outlined the major achievements of Shettima’s trip, including his efforts to champion Africa’s resource sovereignty, push for UN reforms, and attract foreign investment in key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
“The Vice President also showcased the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors. He also assured the Nigerian diaspora community of robust engagement in the President Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes before his engagements in Germany,” Nkwocha said.
The Vice President’s trip, which combined political advocacy, investment promotion, and diplomatic outreach, was aimed at advancing Nigeria’s position on key global issues while strengthening international partnerships.
During the UNGA session, Shettima delivered Tinubu’s national statement, where he called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations to reflect current global realities. His address reinforced Nigeria’s long-standing push for changes to the international system, including a more equitable structure at the UN Security Council.
Shettima also led Nigeria’s charge in advocating for Africa’s control over its mineral wealth, estimated at more than $700 billion. He underscored that Africa must be allowed to exercise sovereignty over its resources in ways that promote development across the continent.
Beyond his address to world leaders, the Vice President held a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at strengthening partnerships with key global stakeholders. He met with representatives of the United Kingdom, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other development partners to deepen cooperation in areas including health, education, and economic development.
A major highlight of his engagements in New York was his meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. During the discussion, Shettima secured the Secretary-General’s commendation for Nigeria’s diplomatic push to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a longstanding national priority.
Shettima also used the international platform to promote Nigeria’s energy transition plan, presenting a $200 billion investment opportunity to global investors. He highlighted the country’s potential as a major hub for clean and renewable energy investment, positioning Nigeria as a partner for sustainable development initiatives.
In a separate engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora, Shettima assured them of closer involvement in the Tinubu administration’s programmes and policies. He encouraged them to play an active role in national development, emphasizing that the government recognises their contributions and intends to strengthen ties with diaspora communities around the world.
Following the UNGA, Shettima continued his diplomatic outreach in Germany, where he concluded a series of strategic engagements before returning to Nigeria.
Shettima’s diplomatic mission comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reposition itself on the global stage, both as a political voice within multilateral institutions and as a key destination for foreign investment. His engagements in New York and Germany reflect the administration’s focus on international partnerships as part of its broader strategy to drive economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s influence in global affairs.
Shettima is expected to brief Tinubu and relevant government officials on the outcomes of his engagements as the administration builds on the momentum from the UNGA and related meetings.