Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York for Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank to explore partnership opportunities and interventions in Nigeria’s development initiatives.
This trip follows his successful representation of President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York.
During his participation at UNGA 80, Shettima secured the commendation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. “The Vice President had represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the just-concluded 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he canvassed global support for Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and Africa’s push for greater influence in international affairs,” according to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
Shettima also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom on trade, defense, and migration issues. He emphasized the importance of Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth and pushed for digital inclusion initiatives across the continent.
The Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council. “The Federal Government is steadfast in its duty to protect every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or religious identity, and continues to work with international partners to address the global threat of terrorism,” he stressed during his UNGA engagement, though specific quotes on this were not provided in the context of this trip.
Shettima engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market. This engagement underscores Nigeria’s growing role in regional and global economic discussions.
The Vice President was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials. He is expected to return to Nigeria immediately after completing his engagements in Germany.
Shettima’s meetings with Deutsche Bank officials are anticipated to yield significant partnership opportunities for Nigeria’s developmental initiatives. As the Vice President continues his diplomatic engagements, his efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing its economic interests globally.