Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
Leading a high-level Nigerian delegation, the Vice President landed at Bole International Airport ahead of the summit’s main events scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026, according to a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, on Friday.
Upon arrival, Senator Shettima was welcomed by Ethiopian and Nigerian officials, including Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed.
Minister Tuggar briefed the Vice President on the summit itinerary and Nigeria’s strategic objectives shortly after his arrival.
This year’s summit carries the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” focusing on advancing continental commitments to sustainable water management and improved sanitation—key elements for health, agriculture, and the broader development goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063. Tuggar noted that water and sanitation initiatives act as “a primary human-security driver for the continent.”
Beyond thematic sessions, VP Shettima will attend the 30th General Assembly and engage in high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic partnerships, while addressing regional security challenges in the Sahel and Sudan.
A key highlight from preparatory meetings is Nigeria’s confirmation of a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, reinforcing the country’s leadership role in shaping Africa’s financial future.