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By Goli Innocent
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
The Vice President is representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, which is scheduled to hold from February 14 to 15, 2026. He is also expected to participate in the 30th Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly.
Shettima was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Mola, alongside the country’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, was also on hand to welcome him.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President’s itinerary includes high-level engagements beyond the main summit proceedings.
This year’s summit is themed: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
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Deliberations are expected to centre on sustainable water management, improved sanitation systems, and broader continental development targets under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
Beyond plenary sessions involving African leaders, Shettima will attend select high-level side events and hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders. These engagements are aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and reinforcing strategic partnerships across the continent.
Briefing journalists after receiving the Vice President, Ambassador Tuggar described the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) as a significant step toward strengthening democratic culture across Africa.
He further disclosed that Nigeria has secured confirmation to host the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank, and has also been nominated to the board of the bank developments seen as major diplomatic and economic wins for the country.
The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet members and senior government officials. He is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the summit.
