Shettima Heads to Germany After UNGA 80

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York for Germany following a week of high-level engagements at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), where he represented President Bola Tinubu and presented Nigeria’s key global agenda.

Shettima’s participation in UNGA 80 was a central part of Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to secure stronger international backing for its economic transformation initiatives, security priorities, and bid for greater representation in global governance structures. His trip to Germany marks the continuation of this mission, with a focus on attracting strategic investments and strengthening development partnerships.

During his time in New York, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the UN, restating the country’s demand for reforms of global institutions and advocating for Africa’s representation on the United Nations Security Council. He highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to secure a permanent seat and called for global cooperation in addressing the continent’s economic and security challenges.

Pushing Nigeria’s Development Agenda

At the General Assembly, Shettima engaged world leaders, global institutions, and investors to spotlight Nigeria’s potential as a key economic driver in Africa. He presented the country’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity, positioning Nigeria as a central player in the global shift toward cleaner energy sources. The Vice President also emphasized the country’s expanding digital economy and sought partnerships to boost technology adoption and digital inclusion across the nation.

Shettima further reinforced Nigeria’s strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom on matters of trade, defence, and migration. These engagements are seen as crucial in facilitating increased foreign direct investment, boosting Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, and supporting efforts to create sustainable jobs for its growing population.

Beyond economic diplomacy, Shettima used his presence in New York to advocate for better healthcare and education outcomes in Africa. He met with representatives of the Gates Foundation to discuss expanding access to primary health care and advancing education programs for vulnerable communities. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), presenting the country as the natural hub for the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market.

Strategic Engagements in Germany

Following the conclusion of UNGA 80, Shettima’s next stop in Germany is aimed at deepening Nigeria’s engagement with key financial institutions. He is expected to hold strategic meetings with top officials of Deutsche Bank to explore avenues for supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and industrial growth initiatives.

The discussions are anticipated to center on unlocking funding opportunities that will accelerate ongoing government projects in critical sectors, including power, transportation, and manufacturing. This aligns with President Tinubu’s economic recovery plan, which prioritizes foreign investment, job creation, and sustainable development as tools for stabilizing the economy.

Shettima’s visit also signals Nigeria’s continued efforts to build stronger economic ties with Europe. With Germany being one of Europe’s largest economies and a major trading partner with Africa, the Vice President’s engagements are expected to pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation and technical assistance.

He is scheduled to return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany, bringing to a close a week of intensive diplomatic and economic outreach that underscores the administration’s focus on positioning Nigeria as a key player on the global stage.