Vice President Kashim Shettima returns to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he participates in high-level deliberations and advances Nigeria’s diplomatic and strategic interests.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the Vice President’s engagements at the summit strengthen Nigeria’s position in continental policy discussions, particularly on sustainable development, health security, and regional cooperation. The summit, which also features the 30th AU General Assembly, brings together African leaders to chart policy directions under the 2026 theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
The summit focuses on advancing commitments toward sustainable water resource management, improved sanitation systems, and long-term socio-economic transformation under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework. Leaders deliberate on strategies to tackle water scarcity, climate resilience, infrastructure deficits, and environmental sustainability across member states.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, beyond plenary sessions involving Heads of State and Government, Vice President Shettima actively participates in high-level side events and holds bilateral meetings with political and business leaders. These engagements aim to deepen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, expand economic partnerships, and reinforce strategic cooperation across Africa.
One of the key diplomatic highlights of the visit is the goodwill message from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, who encourages Nigeria to take a leading role in advocating for a more restructured and equitable global order. He describes Nigeria as uniquely positioned to help steer Africa toward greater global influence and emerging superpower status.
In its continued coverage, Mediaplusng.com notes that Vice President Shettima uses the platform to call for a continental shift toward health security sovereignty. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu and the Nigerian government, he urges African nations to reduce reliance on foreign aid and build resilient, self-sufficient healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to emergencies and long-term public health challenges.
At a high-level side event titled “Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty,” the Vice President stresses that Africa must not allow the health of its citizens to depend on fragile global supply chains or fluctuating international priorities. He references lessons learned from previous global health crises, emphasizing that sustainable capacity-building is the only reliable path to health security.
Shettima argues that health security is inseparable from national and continental security. He underscores the importance of local pharmaceutical manufacturing, expanded health workforce training, strengthened laboratory networks, and improved regulatory systems to safeguard public health across Africa.
Throughout the summit, the Vice President reaffirms Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with AU member states in building stronger institutions and sustainable systems. He emphasizes that cooperation, innovation, and regional solidarity remain essential to achieving shared continental goals.
The Vice President’s return to Abuja marks the conclusion of a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role within Africa. His participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable development, regional integration, and strategic reforms aligned with the African Union’s long-term vision.
As deliberations from the 39th AU Summit translate into policy implementation across member states, Nigeria positions itself as a proactive partner in shaping Africa’s future—championing water security, sanitation development, diplomatic cooperation, and health sovereignty as central pillars of continental progress.
