Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and holding strategic meetings in Germany.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During his week-long trip, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement to world leaders, where he pushed for broad reforms of the United Nations and called for greater respect for Africa’s sovereignty over its $700 billion worth of mineral resources.

In New York, the vice president held talks with several global partners, including the United Kingdom, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and international investors. He also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who praised Nigeria’s effort to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Shettima used the opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition plan, presenting the initiative as a major opportunity for global investment. He said the program would help Nigeria balance energy access for its citizens while moving toward clean and renewable energy sources.

The vice president also engaged with Nigerians in the diaspora, assuring them that the Tinubu administration would continue to include their voices in government policies and programs. He described the diaspora community as a key partner in Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

After the UN meetings, Shettima traveled to Germany for further strategic engagements, focusing on deepening economic cooperation and strengthening ties with European partners. According to his office, the discussions centered on attracting investment, expanding trade opportunities, and securing technical partnerships to boost Nigeria’s economy.

Shettima’s trip came at a time when Nigeria is pushing to reposition itself on the global stage. The Tinubu administration has emphasized diplomacy, international trade, and reforms as tools to drive economic recovery and stability at home.

Analysts say Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council reflects its growing ambition to play a larger role in global decision-making. As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria has long argued that the continent deserves more representation in international institutions.

Shettima’s emphasis on Africa’s mineral wealth also comes amid growing global demand for resources critical to renewable energy and digital technologies, such as lithium and cobalt. By insisting on Africa’s sovereignty, Nigeria is signaling that resource ownership and fair partnerships will remain central to its foreign policy.

The meetings with the Gates Foundation and the United Kingdom also underline Nigeria’s effort to combine political influence with practical support for health, education, and development programs. These partnerships are expected to continue in areas such as public health, food security, and technology transfer.

For Nigerians living abroad, Shettima’s outreach was meant to strengthen confidence in the administration’s plans. Many in the diaspora send home billions of dollars in remittances each year, making them an important part of Nigeria’s economy. His reassurance was seen as an attempt to build stronger ties and encourage greater investment from overseas citizens.

The vice president’s engagements in Germany capped a busy diplomatic week. Nigerian officials say the talks are part of a wider strategy to diversify the economy, create jobs, and reduce reliance on oil revenues by opening new areas for trade and innovation.

As Shettima returned to Abuja, attention is expected to shift back to domestic issues, including the administration’s economic reforms and security challenges. But officials argue that Nigeria’s stronger global presence will bring benefits at home, from new investment deals to more influence in international negotiations.

While it remains to be seen how quickly these diplomatic efforts will translate into results, the Tinubu government is betting that active international engagement will help secure Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth.