Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Johannesburg to act as President Bola Tinubu’s representative at the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, following the President’s cancellation of his planned visit due to urgent security concerns at home.
Shettima was greeted at Waterkloof Air Force Base by Finance Minister Wale Edun, Nigeria’s top envoy to South Africa, Ambassador Alexander, and other senior officials, marking the official start of his engagements.
President Tinubu had initially been invited by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the summit on November 19, but the recent spate of security incidents in Nigeria, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, necessitated that he remain in the country.
A statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s senior aide, highlighted that the Vice President would hold discussions with foreign leaders and international development partners on key issues affecting Nigeria and the region.
Topics expected to dominate his agenda include economic cooperation, regional security, climate change, and international development initiatives, alongside bilateral discussions aimed at advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The G20 Summit, which runs from November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, will bring together the world’s largest economies, alongside representatives from the European Union, African Union, and major financial organisations.
Delegates are set to focus on global economic stability, sustainable development, equitable food systems, and strategies to address climate and debt challenges.
Shettima’s participation ensures that Nigeria remains actively engaged in these critical deliberations, representing the nation’s priorities and commitments on the international stage.
After the conclusion of the summit, he is expected to return to Abuja to resume domestic duties.
