Nigeria, Ethiopia seek stronger nutrition partnership as Shettima leads delegation to Addis Ababa

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Forum, a three-day event aimed at strengthening collaboration on tackling malnutrition.

The forum, holding from October 7 to 9, 2026, was convened at the invitation of Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Temesgen Tiruneh, who is championing his country’s multi-sectoral approach to boosting nutrition.

On arrival, Shettima was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, alongside other Nigerian mission officials and senior Ethiopian government representatives.

The Nigerian delegation includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.

Also on the trip are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar.

During the visit, the Nigerian team will exchange experiences with Ethiopia on how a government-led plan can improve nutrition delivery and will tour key establishments dedicated to boosting nutrition.

Scheduled visits include a wheat farm and banana plantation in Oromia, the “Bounty of the Basket” Training Centre and household visits in Mojo, and Jabdu Motors in Bishoftu.

A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, said the forum is aimed at enabling key stakeholders to share experiences of building a federal, state and local compact on nutrition.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Temesgen Tiruneh, held constructive discussions with Shettima to ensure food security, exchange experiences on nutrition, and further strengthen multifaceted bilateral cooperation.

Tiruneh noted that the two countries are bound by a strategic partnership and possess immense potential to shape Africa for the better by leveraging their large populations and economic potential in a coordinated manner.

He also expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s recognition of the tangible success achieved through Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration program and described Shettima’s commitment to improving nutrition as an exemplary model for the continent.

The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja at the end of the event.