Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at two major international gatherings: the 7th African Union–European Union (AU-EU) Summit in Luanda, Angola, and the 2025 Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
During the AU-EU Summit, Vice President Shettima delivered a statement on behalf of President Tinubu, emphasizing Nigeria’s call for Africa to secure permanent, veto-wielding seats on the United Nations Security Council. The President stressed that a comprehensive reform of global governance structures is long overdue, arguing that the current system no longer reflects the realities and complexities of today’s world.
President Tinubu also urged the European Union to collaborate closely with African partners to co-create peace and security initiatives grounded in African-led frameworks. The aim, according to the statement, is to achieve sustainable stability across the continent while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to peace, security, and democratic governance.
Earlier at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa, Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s call for a more equitable and responsive global financial system. The President highlighted the need for innovative approaches to tackle recurring debt crises and ensure that international financial policies meet the needs of all nations fairly. He further noted that many existing multilateral frameworks were designed in a bygone era, ill-suited to address contemporary challenges.
At the summit, President Tinubu also underscored the importance of global cooperation in harnessing Africa’s mineral resources. He advocated for frameworks that ensure value addition within communities hosting critical minerals, particularly in Nigeria and other African nations. Additionally, the President expressed support for establishing global ethical standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate technological development worldwide.
Vice President Shettima’s participation in these high-profile summits underscores Nigeria’s proactive role in shaping international policies and championing Africa’s interests on the global stage. His engagements reflect the country’s commitment to driving reforms, fostering partnerships, and advancing initiatives that promote prosperity, security, and sustainable development both within Africa and across the world.