Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic engagement in Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has re-established itself as an influential player in global and regional economic discussions.
Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday, according to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President had represented President Bola Tinubu at key international events, combining diplomatic outreach in West Africa with high-level economic engagement on the global stage.
His trip began in Guinea-Conakry, where he attended the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya.
During the visit, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and explored opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Conakry, the Vice President proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
He said Nigeria’s presence at the forum underscored the country’s renewed commitment to international cooperation and economic repositioning under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
A major highlight of Nigeria’s participation at Davos was the unveiling of Nigeria House Davos, the country’s first sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade.
The facility is designed as a permanent investment hub to promote opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, digital innovation, and other strategic sectors of the economy.
At a high-level WEF session focused on food security, Shettima outlined Nigeria’s new national framework, describing agriculture as a cornerstone of national security, economic resilience, and macroeconomic stability.
He emphasised the government’s resolve to strengthen food systems and reduce vulnerability to global supply shocks.
The Vice President also participated in discussions advancing the Accra Reset Initiative alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Finance Minister Wale Edun.
The initiative promotes African industrialisation driven by domestic capital, regional value chains, and reduced reliance on foreign aid.
Addressing investors and global partners, Shettima said Nigeria’s economic fundamentals were improving.
He cited projections of 4.4 per cent economic growth in 2026 and a significant drop in inflation to 12.94 per cent as indicators of stabilisation.
He further noted Nigeria’s progress toward becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, supported by the Dangote Refinery, while also highlighting the country’s growing role in exporting digital skills and technology talent.
According to the Vice President, the outcomes of the trip demonstrate that Nigeria is once again actively shaping conversations on regional stability, global investment, and economic development.
