JUST IN: VP Shettima Returns To Nigeria After BRICS Summit In India

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

According to reports, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed Shettima’s return in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Nkwocha said the Vice President participated in high-level sessions during the summit and held several bilateral meetings focused on advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests.

One of the key engagements was a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions centred on strengthening crude oil trade between Nigeria and India, as well as expanding cooperation in investment, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech, renewable energy and other strategic sectors.

Shettima also held talks with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during which he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and advocated for a more inclusive global economic system.

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

He also promoted Nigeria’s strategic position as a gateway to Africa’s growing consumer market through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nigeria further used its participation at the summit to strengthen relations with BRICS member and partner countries across key sectors, including agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and human-capital development.

The engagements formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to attract investment, expand international partnerships and strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global economy.