Shettima’s place in history is already assured, says Tuggar

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s place in Nigeria’s history as a committed public servant and reform-minded leader is firmly secured, senior officials affirmed on Tuesday, during the second session of the Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) held at the State House, Abuja.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, commended the Vice President’s distinguished record of service, which spans the banking sector, agronomy, two terms as Governor of Borno State, the National Assembly, and now the vice presidency. He described Shettima as a leader whose contributions have had enduring national significance.

“Vice President Shettima’s place in history is already assured,” Tuggar stated, drawing a parallel with Brazil’s visiting Vice President, H.E. Geraldo Alckmin, who also has a longstanding record in public service, including as former Governor of São Paulo, Brazil’s most industrialised state.

The high-level strategic dialogue, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, provided a platform for both countries to advance cooperation across critical sectors such as agriculture, trade, industry, energy, health, culture, climate change, and defence.

Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with Brazil, highlighting the revival of the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism as a key component of the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy agenda. He noted that inclusive trade and investment remain vital tools for lifting millions out of poverty in both countries.

The event also paid tribute to the late Ambassador Paulo Tarso Flecha de Lima, Brazil’s renowned diplomat and former envoy to Nigeria, whose birthday coincided with the opening day of the session — a symbolic gesture reinforcing the historical depth of bilateral ties.

The Strategic Dialogue Mechanism, originally launched in 2013, has been revitalised to drive focused engagement between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest market, particularly in areas aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Vice President Shettima further highlighted ongoing collaborative initiatives such as the Green Imperative Project, which seeks to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural value chain through technology transfer and technical assistance from Brazil.