Vice President Kashim Shettima left New York on Sunday after a packed week at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, heading to Germany for high-stakes talks with Deutsche Bank officials to lock in partnerships for Nigeria’s development projects, according to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
At UNGA, Shettima, standing in for President Bola Tinubu, made waves. He earned praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Nigeria’s push for a permanent UN Security Council seat. He pitched Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition plan to global investors and cemented ties with the UK on trade, defense, and migration. In Tinubu’s national address, delivered by Shettima, he called for UN reforms, Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion.
He also held talks with the Gates Foundation to boost healthcare and education, framing Nigeria as the hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
Shettima was seen off at JFK Airport by cabinet ministers from the UNGA delegation and Nigerian Mission officials. He’s set to return home right after his Germany meetings.
