Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi, India.
Shettima’s visit featured high-level discussions with global leaders and bilateral meetings focused on strengthening Nigeria’s economic, diplomatic and strategic partnerships.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the engagements.
The meeting focused on expanding economic cooperation between Nigeria and India, with discussions covering crude oil trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech and renewable energy.
The Vice President also held talks with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during which Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and efforts to promote a fairer global economic system.
At the BRICS summit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s position on the need to reform international governance structures and financial institutions to reflect present-day economic realities.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position as a major gateway to Africa’s growing consumer market, particularly through the opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Nigeria further used the summit to strengthen 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 participation was aimed at deepening Nigeria’s international partnerships and attracting opportunities capable of supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
