Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following a week-long diplomatic mission that saw him represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York and conclude high-level engagements in Germany.
Shettima, who arrived in Abuja on Thursday, was welcomed by senior government officials after what has been described as a highly successful outing aimed at advancing Nigeria’s global standing, securing strategic partnerships, and reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.
At UNGA80, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement, where he renewed Nigeria’s call for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to reflect equitable representation for Africa. He stressed that Africa’s growing influence and its $700 billion mineral wealth demand global recognition, adding that Nigeria will continue to champion the continent’s sovereignty over its natural resources.
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The Vice President also used the forum to highlight Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunities, presenting them to global investors as part of the country’s shift towards sustainable energy. His pitch sought to attract green investments that could accelerate Nigeria’s diversification from oil dependency and create new industries in renewable energy.
In addition, Shettima met with key international stakeholders including the United Kingdom delegation, officials of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and global business leaders. Discussions centered on partnerships in health, education, agriculture, and technology, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
One of the highlights of the UNGA mission was Shettima’s meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s active role on the global stage and expressed support for the country’s longstanding quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The Vice President also assured the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States of the government’s commitment to deepen their involvement in national development, pledging stronger diaspora engagement in policies and programmes.
Following his engagements in New York, Shettima proceeded to Germany for a series of economic and diplomatic meetings. While in Berlin, he met with German government officials and private sector leaders, advancing discussions on trade, investment, and technology transfer. The talks were aimed at securing German participation in Nigeria’s industrialization drive, as well as strengthening cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and vocational training.
Diplomatic observers have described the Vice President’s trip as a significant step in consolidating Nigeria’s global partnerships, particularly as the country navigates economic reforms at home. His engagements were seen as both symbolic and strategic, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to play a leading role in shaping Africa’s place in the evolving global order.
With his return, Vice President Shettima is expected to brief President Tinubu on the outcomes of his meetings and the opportunities for Nigeria arising from both the UN and Germany engagements. Analysts say the mission has bolstered the administration’s foreign policy vision of using diplomacy to unlock economic growth and global recognition.