Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union Summit.
The high-level meeting will convene African leaders to deliberate on pressing development issues across the continent.
The summit’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” underscores the emphasis on improving water access and sanitation as part of Africa’s long-term development blueprint.
Discussions at the summit are expected to highlight water security and sanitation as critical drivers of sustainable growth.
Heads of state and government will assess progress made toward continental development targets and consider new approaches to expanding access to potable water and strengthening public health infrastructure in member countries.
While in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government.
He is also scheduled to attend the 30th General Assembly taking place on February 14 and 15.
On the sidelines of the summit, Shettima is slated to hold a series of high-level engagements with political figures and business leaders from across Africa.
The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing regional collaboration, promoting economic expansion, and reinforcing Nigeria’s diplomatic relations within the continent.
Government officials indicated that the visit offers Nigeria an opportunity to reaffirm its leadership position within the African Union and strengthen partnerships in key sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, and sustainable growth initiatives.
The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet members and senior government officials who will support Nigeria’s participation in the summit and related activities.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements in Ethiopia.
