Shettima to represent Nigeria at UN Food Systems Summit

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday, July 27, for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will represent Nigeria at the 2nd United Nations (UN) Food Systems Summit scheduled to hold from July 27 to 29.

The high-level summit will convene global leaders to assess progress since the inaugural 2021 summit and to accelerate efforts toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems worldwide, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.

Shettima is expected to engage in key discussions focused on the transformation of the coffee value chain—an important sector for many African economies—and participate in various roundtables and meetings aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s drive for food security.

In addition to plenary sessions, the Vice President will attend several side events, including a ministerial roundtable on public finance, trade, and responsible investment designed to fast-track food systems transformation. Other activities will feature field visits and networking opportunities that seek to promote knowledge exchange and foster partnerships.

Ahead of the summit, Shettima outlined Nigeria’s strategic objectives: positioning the country as a leading voice on African food systems reform; leveraging international cooperation aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities; and advancing a private sector-led model to drive continental food transformation.

Organised in partnership with the United Nations and the governments of Ethiopia and Italy, the summit offers a platform for collective action through evidence-based solutions and innovative approaches to global food challenges.

Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria upon completion of the summit engagements.