Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. He is set to advocate for Nigeria on matters of economic collaboration, security partnerships, climate funding, and global development.
Shettima landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base, where he was welcomed by Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Ajayi; Consul General Umar Bashir; Defence Adviser Commodore Ibrahim Ari Gwaska; South Africa’s Chief Director for West Africa Nyameko Goso; and Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, among others.
A statement from the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima will meet with global leaders and development partners throughout the summit.
His participation follows President Tinubu’s last-minute cancellation of his scheduled trip to South Africa on Wednesday, November 19.
The statement said, “Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
“The Vice President, who arrived on Friday evening, is scheduled to engage foreign leaders and development partners on issues relating to the economy, security, and climate change, among others.”
President Tinubu remained in Abuja to receive high-level security briefings following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The summit, taking place from November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, brings together leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies, along with representatives from the European Union, African Union, and major international financial institutions.
This year’s event, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” will focus on bolstering global economic recovery, unlocking development financing, easing debt burdens on emerging economies, tackling climate change impacts, and promoting fairer global food systems.
Shettima is expected to participate in three high-level panel sessions addressing these topics.
In addition to plenary sessions, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings to secure partnerships in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and discuss regional peace and security issues.
He is expected to return to Nigeria following the conclusion of his engagements at the summit.
