Since assuming office, Vice President Kashim Shettima has served as a critical figure in representing Nigeria's interests on the international stage. Through a series of strategic appearances at global summits, bilateral discussions, and multilateral forums, Shettima has advanced Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, economic ambitions, and diplomatic relationships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His travels reflect a commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s global image and leveraging international partnerships for national development.
Russia: Russia-Africa Summit, St. Petersburg (July 28, 2023)
One of Shettima’s earliest international assignments was his attendance at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg. Standing in for President Tinubu, he addressed a distinguished gathering of political leaders, diplomats, and business executives. In his speech, Shettima outlined Nigeria’s renewed focus on economic diversification, industrial development, and foreign investment. He emphasized the strategic importance of peace and security as prerequisites for sustainable development and invited Russian businesses to tap into Nigeria’s expansive market, especially in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The summit was significant not only for deepening Nigeria-Russia ties but also for positioning Nigeria as a viable destination for long-term strategic investment in Africa.
Italy: UN Food Systems Summit, Rome (July 24–26, 2025)
In July 2025, Vice President Shettima traveled to Rome to participate in the UN Food Systems Summit, a global platform focused on transforming agri-food systems. He played a central role by chairing high-level discussions on innovative financing mechanisms to support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. In these meetings, Shettima championed the Tinubu administration’s goal of achieving food security through improved agribusiness policies, public-private partnerships, and increased access to climate-resilient technologies.
On the sidelines, the Vice President engaged directly with international development agencies, private investors, and government representatives, using the opportunity to secure pledges and partnerships that align with Nigeria’s broader agricultural development roadmap.
South Africa: 15th BRICS Summit, Johannesburg (August 22–24, 2023)
Shettima also led Nigeria’s delegation to the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Though Nigeria is not a BRICS member, Shettima’s presence signaled the country’s intent to engage more actively with emerging global power blocs. He used the summit to push for greater South-South collaboration and promote Nigeria’s market as an attractive hub for trade, manufacturing, and infrastructure investments.
In his address, Shettima spotlighted Nigeria’s private-sector-led reform agenda, calling on BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to consider real-time investments in Nigeria’s growing sectors such as fintech, energy, telecommunications, and agribusiness.
Cuba: G77+China Leaders’ Summit, Havana (September 13–17, 2023)
Another critical stop in Shettima’s diplomatic tour was Havana, Cuba, where he attended the G77+China Leaders’ Summit. The event gathered policymakers from developing nations to deliberate on economic cooperation, technology transfer, and sustainable development. Representing Nigeria, Shettima stressed the importance of solidarity among Global South nations and advocated for reforms in international financial institutions to better reflect the developmental needs of African countries.
His bilateral meetings during the summit aimed to attract trade and development partnerships, showcasing Nigeria’s economic transformation plan and highlighting its role as a regional leader in West Africa.
United States: AfDB World Food Prize / Borlaug Dialogue, Iowa (October 22–24, 2023)
In October 2023, Vice President Shettima was in Iowa, USA, for the World Food Prize event and the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The conference brought together agricultural innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions to food insecurity.
At the event, Shettima championed Nigeria’s agricultural potential and outlined initiatives focused on mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, and rural economic development. His participation underscored the administration’s dedication to achieving food self-sufficiency, while also attracting global investments into the agro-industrial space.
Russia: Second Engagement at the Russia-Africa Summit (July 23, 2023)
Interestingly, Shettima’s visit to Russia for the Russia-Africa Summit also included pre-summit engagements on July 23, during which he participated in bilateral dialogues and policy briefings. He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to partner with Russia on energy, security, and industrial growth.
This early presence in Russia reinforced his commitment to proactive diplomacy and positioned Nigeria as an open and stable investment destination in a geopolitically competitive world.
Kenya: IDA21 Heads of State Summit, Nairobi (April 29, 2024)
Despite technical issues that grounded the presidential aircraft, Shettima made his way to Nairobi, Kenya, via chartered transport to attend the IDA21 Heads of State Summit. The summit focused on international development finance and strategies for achieving long-term economic growth in developing nations.
Shettima participated in strategic dialogues with global financial institutions and partner governments, advocating for increased concessional lending and infrastructure development in Africa. His attendance under challenging circumstances signaled the importance Nigeria places on development financing and multilateral cooperation.
Côte d’Ivoire: AFCON Finals, Abidjan (February 10–11, 2024)
In February 2024, Shettima represented Nigeria at the AFCON Finals in Abidjan, supporting the Super Eagles. His presence was symbolic, showcasing the administration’s support for sports as a tool for national unity and diplomacy. Beyond the tournament, the visit provided an opportunity to engage informally with regional leaders and enhance bilateral goodwill between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
Saudi Arabia: Umrah and Bilateral Meetings, Madinah and Jeddah (December 16–20, 2024)
While in Saudi Arabia for the Lesser Hajj (Umrah), Shettima combined his religious pilgrimage with diplomatic and economic discussions. He held significant talks with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) leadership in Jeddah, where the focus was on financing Phase II of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).
The Vice President emphasized the importance of faith-based and value-driven development while seeking enhanced support for Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development projects. These meetings further cemented Saudi-Nigeria economic ties, particularly in Islamic finance and agriculture.
United States: 79th UN General Assembly, New York (September 22–28, 2024)
Shettima represented Nigeria at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He participated in several plenary sessions and bilateral engagements, where he articulated Nigeria’s position on global peace, climate change, and sustainable development.
In his addresses and side meetings, the Vice President advocated for equitable global partnerships, better access to development financing for African countries, and the need to tackle global inequalities. His presence at UNGA highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation.
Senegal: 65th Independence Anniversary, Dakar (April 4–5, 2025)
In April 2025, Shettima visited Senegal to attend its 65th Independence Day celebrations, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to regional diplomacy. He engaged with Senegalese leaders and other visiting dignitaries to discuss regional cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange.
The visit also provided a platform for enhancing ECOWAS solidarity and reinforcing shared values in democracy, governance, and economic development across West Africa.
Sweden: Bilateral Engagements, Stockholm (October 17–19, 2024)
Vice President Shettima traveled to Sweden for bilateral meetings focused on enhancing diplomatic, technological, and economic ties. He discussed opportunities for cooperation in digital innovation, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization. The talks also covered knowledge transfer and Swedish support for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and green economy.
These meetings are part of the administration’s broader effort to build mutually beneficial partnerships with technologically advanced economies.
Switzerland: World Economic Forum, Davos (January 19–25, 2025)
At the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Shettima represented Nigeria in discussions with global political and business leaders. His engagement emphasized investment in Africa, economic inclusion, and the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in boosting intra-African trade.
He reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to private-sector-led growth and urged global investors to support initiatives in renewable energy, infrastructure, and fintech within Nigeria.
United Kingdom: Buhari’s Repatriation, London (July 13–14, 2025)
In a solemn act of state representation, Vice President Shettima flew to London in July 2025 to accompany the body of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria. The visit involved high-level diplomatic protocols and engagement with Nigerian diaspora representatives, offering condolences and reflecting the government's respect for national leadership and historical continuity.
