Shettima Returns To Abuja After UNGA80, Germany Engagements

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a series of international engagements that took him to New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and later to Germany for strategic economic and investment discussions. During his time at UNGA80, Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu and delivered Nigeria’s national statement, where he renewed calls for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system. He emphasised Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council and stressed the importance of allowing African nations greater control over their natural resources. The vice-president also highlighted Nigeria’s priorities in digital inclusion, renewable energy, and sustainable development. On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Shettima held bilateral meetings with global partners, including top officials from international financial institutions and development agencies. He showcased Nigeria’s energy transition opportunities, estimated at around $200 billion, and called for stronger collaborations to accelerate industrialisation and green growth in the country. He also met with representatives of major foundations and bilateral partners to explore financing and technical cooperation in critical sectors. After concluding his UN engagements, the vice-president proceeded to Frankfurt, Germany, where he held further discussions with international investors, including executives of Deutsche Bank. Talks centered on mobilising capital for infrastructure and energy projects, as well as expanding private-sector participation in Nigeria’s development agenda. The meetings, according to government officials, were part of ongoing efforts to attract sustainable foreign direct investment into the country. Shettima also engaged with the Nigerian diaspora community, assuring them of the government’s commitment to reforms that ease investment processes. He pointed to improvements such as faster passport processing and non-resident Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), while urging Nigerians abroad to contribute their expertise and resources to national development. The State House described the trip as highly successful, saying it reinforced Nigeria’s diplomatic standing while opening doors for fresh economic opportunities. Analysts note that the visit underscored two key objectives: strengthening Nigeria’s voice on global governance issues and securing commitments from potential partners to support the country’s economic transformation agenda. With his return to Abuja, attention now shifts to how the federal government will follow through on the discussions and potential agreements reached during the high-level engagements in New York and Germany.