Shettima Returns to Abuja After AU Summit Engagement

Vice President Kashim Shettima returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) and the 30th AU General Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to a statement from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Shettima met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who urged Nigeria to lead Africa's push for restructuring the global order.

Guterres reportedly described Nigeria's unique position to steer the continent toward superpower status. The summit's theme focused on ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.

Shettima advocated for a shift towards health security and sovereignty, calling on African nations to reduce dependence on foreign aid and build self-sufficient, homegrown health systems. He participated in high-level side events and bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria's diplomatic and economic partnerships across the continent.

This trip marked Shettima's 73rd day outside the country, during which he visited 16 countries, covering 43,000 nautical miles (79,000 kilometers) and accumulating 93 flight hours.