Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government.
He is representing President Bola Tinubu at the high-level continental gathering scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.
A statement from presidential spokesman Stanley Nkwocha confirmed the Vice President’s arrival on Thursday.
Shettima is also billed to participate in the 30th Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly during the two-day summit.
At the Bole International Airport>, he was welcomed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Mola.
Also on hand were Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Senior Nigerian diplomats and embassy officials joined the reception, including Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed and Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Nasiru Aminu.
Shortly after arrival, Tuggar briefed the Vice President on Nigeria’s agenda and scheduled engagements at the summit.
This year’s theme focuses on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems under the AU’s Agenda 2063 blueprint.
Leaders are expected to deliberate on practical strategies to improve water management and sanitation infrastructure across the continent.
Broader development targets under Agenda 2063 will also come under review during plenary discussions.
Beyond the main sessions,
Shettima will attend select high-level side events involving policymakers and development partners.
He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with political and business leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic ties.
Tuggar described the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy as a significant step toward reinforcing democratic governance in Africa.
He disclosed that Nigeria has secured hosting rights for the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank.
According to him, the country has also been nominated to serve on the board of the proposed continental bank.
The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet members and senior government officials.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements in Addis Ababa.
