Shettima Returns From India After High Level BRICS Engagements

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.

Shettima’s visit featured high-level engagements with global leaders and officials, with discussions focused on expanding Nigeria’s trade and investment opportunities and strengthening economic and diplomatic relations with India and other BRICS members and partner countries.

The Vice President met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where both leaders discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation in crude oil trade, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech, renewable energy and other strategic sectors.

Shettima also held talks with the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, during which he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and efforts to promote a more inclusive global economic order.

At the BRICS summit, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s message on the need to reform global governance and international financial institutions, while positioning Nigeria as a strategic gateway to Africa’s expanding market under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Nigeria also used the summit to strengthen partnerships with BRICS member and partner countries in key areas including agriculture, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and human capital development.