Shettima returns to Abuja, says Nigeria back on global economic frontline
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic engagement in Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has regained a prominent position in global and regional economic discussions.
The Vice President arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
Speaking on the outcomes of the trip, Shettima said the engagements underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its resolve to reposition the nation’s economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In Conakry, the Vice President attended President Doumbouya’s inauguration, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He also explored opportunities for deeper bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea, Shettima proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led Nigeria’s delegation to WEF 2026. A major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the country’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade. The facility is intended to serve as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled “When Food Becomes Security,” the Vice President outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar for national security and macroeconomic stability.
Shettima also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Minister of Finance Wale Edun to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, which promotes African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and local value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic outlook, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a reduction in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He further noted Nigeria’s expected transition into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, as well as the country’s growing export of digital talent.
