Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, where he is set to advance Nigeria’s agenda on economic collaboration, security ties, climate funding, and global development.
Shettima, who arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, 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 Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, alongside other officials.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, noted that Shettima will hold various engagements with global leaders and development institutions throughout the summit. His participation comes after Tinubu’s last-minute withdrawal from his planned trip to South Africa on Wednesday, November 19.
The statement read, “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, is scheduled to engage foreign leaders and development partners on issues relating to the economy, security, and climate change, among others.”
The President remained in Abuja to receive critical 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 gathering, scheduled for November 22 to 23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, hosts leaders of the world’s 20 major economies, as well as representatives of the European Union, the African Union, and key international financial bodies.
According to reports, this year’s theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” aims to advance global economic rebound, increase development financing, ease debt burdens for emerging markets, tackle the effects of climate change, and promote equitable global food systems. Shettima is slated to join three major panel discussions aligned with these focus areas.
Aside from the official plenaries, the Vice President will also take part in bilateral discussions geared toward drawing in partnerships that support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while also addressing regional security and stability issues. Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria once the international meetings conclude.
