VP Shettima returns to Abuja after key AU summit engagements

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following his representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th African Union (AU) Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government and the 30th AU General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This year’s summit, held from February 14–15 under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” focused on advancing continental efforts toward sustainable water management, improved sanitation, and broader development goals aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.

During the summit, VP Shettima participated in high-level side events and held bilateral meetings with political and business leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across Africa.

He also received the backing of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who praised Nigeria’s leadership potential and encouraged the country to champion Africa’s push for a restructured global order.

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, VP Shettima urged a continental shift toward health security sovereignty, emphasizing the need for Africa to develop self-reliant, homegrown health systems rather than depending on foreign aid. At a side event titled “Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty,” he stressed that African health systems must be insulated from the uncertainties of distant supply chains and global crises.

VP Shettima’s engagements at the AU Summit highlight Nigeria’s commitment to driving regional cooperation and advancing Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.