Shettima Returns To Nigeria After BRICS Summit In India

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.

Shettima’s return followed a series of high-level engagements focused on trade, investment, technology and strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and India.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

During the visit, the Vice President participated in high-level sessions of the BRICS summit and held bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.

One of the key engagements was a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both sides discussed opportunities in crude oil trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech, renewable energy and other strategic sectors.

Shettima also met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and a more inclusive global economic order.

At the summit, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s message calling for reforms of global governance and international financial institutions.

Shettima also positioned Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s growing market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to the statement, Nigeria used the BRICS summit to deepen its engagement with member and partner countries in key areas, including agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and human-capital development.

The Vice President’s participation formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s economic partnerships and attract investment into strategic sectors of the economy.