Jelili Gbadamosi
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, where he pushed for stronger economic partnerships and greater international cooperation.
Shettima’s participation provided Nigeria with an opportunity to engage BRICS member and partner countries on areas considered critical to the country’s economic development.
During the visit, the Vice President held high-level bilateral discussions, including a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The meeting focused on strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and India, with discussions covering crude oil trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech and renewable energy.
Shettima also met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and efforts toward a more inclusive global economic system.
At the BRICS summit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s message on the need to reform global governance structures and international financial institutions.
He also presented Nigeria as a strategic gateway to Africa’s growing consumer market, particularly with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Beyond diplomatic engagements, Nigeria used the summit to explore opportunities for cooperation with BRICS member and partner countries in key sectors, including agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and human-capital development.
The Vice President’s return marks the conclusion of Nigeria’s participation in the high-level summit, with the engagements expected to provide further opportunities for economic cooperation, investment and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and participating countries.
