Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. During the gathering, he is expected to advocate for Nigeria on matters including economic cooperation, security alliances, climate financing, and global development.
Shettima landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, where he was welcomed by the Minister of 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 Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, among other dignitaries.
A statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), confirmed that Shettima will participate in a range of engagements with world leaders and development partners throughout the summit.
His trip comes after President Tinubu cancelled his planned visit to South Africa on Wednesday, November 19.
The statement noted:
“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, will engage foreign leaders and development partners on key issues including the economy, security, and climate change.”
President Tinubu remained in Abuja to receive crucial security briefings following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the fatal attack on worshippers at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
The summit, scheduled for November 22–23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, brings together leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, alongside representatives of the European Union, the African Union, and major global financial institutions.
This year’s theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” highlights global priorities such as revitalising economic growth, expanding development financing, alleviating debt burdens on emerging economies, tackling climate change, and promoting equitable global food systems.
Shettima is slated to join three high-level panel discussions addressing these focus areas.
In addition to the main sessions, the Vice President will hold several bilateral meetings aimed at advancing partnerships aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as discussing regional peace and security issues.
He is expected to return to Nigeria upon the completion of his engagements at the summit.
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