Since taking office, Vice President Kashim Shettima has actively represented Nigeria at international summits, regional events, and bilateral engagements, reinforcing the country’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic interests globally.
Russia: Russia-Africa Summit, St. Petersburg (July 28, 2023)
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, addressing political and business leaders on Nigeria’s economic agenda. He highlighted the administration’s drive to industrialize the economy, diversify into strategic sectors, and attract foreign investment. Shettima called on Russian companies to explore Nigeria’s vast market and underscored the importance of peace and security as a precondition for meaningful development.
Italy: UN Food Systems Summit, Rome (July 24–26, 2025)
Ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit in Rome, Vice President Shettima chaired high-level sessions on innovative financing for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings with international investors and policymakers to strengthen Nigeria’s agri-food sector and advance the Tinubu administration’s agricultural development programmes.
South Africa: 15th BRICS Summit, Johannesburg (August 22–24, 2023)
Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the 15th BRICS Summit, engaging with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development. At the summit, he emphasised Nigeria’s private sector-led economic reform agenda and encouraged BRICS member nations to consider real-time investments in sectors where Nigeria has comparative advantages.
Cuba: G77+China Leaders’ Summit, Havana (September 13–17, 2023)
Vice President Shettima flew to Havana to represent Nigeria at the G77+China Leaders’ Summit. At the summit, which brought together world leaders including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he engaged in discussions on development challenges facing Global South countries and conducted bilateral meetings to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment diplomacy. The trip marked his fourth foreign engagement since assuming office.
United States: AfDB World Food Prize / Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, Iowa (October 22–24, 2023)
Shettima participated in the AfDB World Food Prize event in Iowa, attending the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue alongside former African leaders and international agricultural experts. The Vice President used the platform to showcase Nigeria’s agricultural potential, woo investors, and secure commitments to advance the Tinubu administration’s agro-food initiatives.
Russia: Russia-Africa Summit Representation (July 23, 2023)
On July 23, Shettima again engaged in multilateral diplomacy at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to industrialization and economic diversification. His remarks reinforced Nigeria as a strategic destination for investment, calling on international partners to explore opportunities in the nation’s key growth sectors.
Kenya: IDA21 Heads of State Summit, Nairobi (April 29, 2024)
Vice President Shettima arrived in Nairobi via a chartered aircraft to represent President Tinubu at the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. The trip followed technical malfunctions in Nigeria’s presidential air fleet. While in Kenya, he participated in high-level discussions on international development, focusing on financing strategies and sustainable growth initiatives for African nations.
Côte d’Ivoire: AFCON Finals Representation, Abidjan (February 10–11, 2024)
Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the African Cup of Nations finals in Abidjan, representing President Tinubu and showing support for the Super Eagles. The Vice President’s presence highlighted the government’s commitment to national unity through sports and underscored football’s role in fostering patriotism and international visibility.
Saudi Arabia: Lesser Hajj (Umrah) and Bilateral Engagements, Madinah and Jeddah (December 16–20, 2024)
Vice President Shettima performed the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in Madinah and Makkah while engaging in bilateral discussions with the President of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah. The talks focused on co-financing Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) and enhancing IsDB-supported projects aimed at boosting agricultural and economic development.
United States: 79th UN General Assembly, New York (September 22–28, 2024)
Shettima represented Nigeria at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, participating in plenary sessions and high-level bilateral meetings. His interventions highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, and human rights, while advocating for stronger partnerships with the global community on key continental initiatives.
Senegal: 65th Independence Day Celebration, Dakar (April 4–5, 2025)
The Vice President attended Senegal’s 65th Independence Day celebrations, representing the Nigerian presidency at official national ceremonies. Shettima engaged with Senegalese officials and diplomatic counterparts to reinforce Nigeria-Senegal relations and explore avenues for regional cooperation in governance, trade, and culture.
Sweden: Bilateral Engagements (October 17–19, 2024)
Shettima traveled to Sweden for high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. Discussions centered on trade cooperation, investment opportunities, and partnerships to advance development in technology, infrastructure, and agriculture between the two nations.
Switzerland: World Economic Forum, Davos (January 19–25, 2025)
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Shettima engaged with global leaders on investment strategies, Africa-focused development, and trade opportunities under the AfCFTA framework. His participation reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to international economic collaboration and private-sector-led growth.
United Kingdom: Accompanying Former President Buhari’s Body, London (July 13–14, 2025)
Shettima traveled to London to accompany the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s body. The visit involved observing diplomatic protocols, engaging with Nigerian diaspora representatives, and ensuring official state representation during national mourning proceedings.
