Shettima departs Abuja to represent Nigeria at UN summit in Addis Ababa

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to represent Nigeria at the second United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit, being held from July 27 to 29, 2025.

The high-level summit brings together global leaders, policymakers, and development partners to assess progress since the first UN Food Systems Summit in 2021, and to accelerate the transformation of global food systems toward sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness.

Senator Shettima is expected to play a central role in discussions on advancing the transformation of the coffee value chain and will participate in a series of roundtables and bilateral meetings focused on strengthening Nigeria’s food security agenda.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Vice President will also attend events showcasing practical examples of food systems reform, fostering partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and highlighting innovative, evidence-based solutions to food insecurity.

Among the key engagements is a ministerial roundtable focused on public finance, trade, and responsible investment — critical areas for accelerating the transition toward sustainable food systems. Field visits and networking sessions are also part of the summit agenda.

At a recent briefing of the National Task Force on the summit, Vice President Shettima identified three major objectives for Nigeria’s participation: positioning the country as a thought leader on African food systems reform, leveraging international partnerships aligned with domestic development goals, and championing a private sector-led model for food transformation across the continent.

The 2025 UN Food Systems Summit is jointly organized by the United Nations and the governments of Ethiopia and Italy.

Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria following the conclusion of the summit’s activities.