Shettima Returns to Abuja After Key AU-EU Summit Engagements

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived back in the capital city of Abuja on the evening of October 24, 2023, after participating in the 7th African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Summit in Luanda, Angola. His attendance at the summit followed a successful representation of President Bola Tinubu at the 2025 Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier that week.

During the AU-EU Summit, Shettima communicated a vital message from President Tinubu, emphasizing the urgent need for Africa to attain permanent seats with veto power on the United Nations (UN) Security Council. In a statement released by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President insisted that comprehensive reform of the global governance system is essential and long overdue.

Calls for Collaborative Peace Initiatives

President Tinubu’s message underscored the importance of co-creating peace and security initiatives with the European Union, emphasizing the need for frameworks that are African-led. This collaborative approach, he argued, is crucial for achieving sustainable stability across the continent. Furthermore, the President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing peace, security, and democratic governance throughout Africa, aiming to foster a more just and prosperous global community.

Earlier at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, held from October 22 to 24, Tinubu urged world leaders to establish a more equitable and responsive system for managing global financial flows. He expressed the need to address recurring debt crises in a manner that adequately meets the diverse needs of all nations. In his speech, delivered by Shettima, the President highlighted that existing multilateral frameworks no longer reflect contemporary complexities, noting they were “built in an era far removed from” current global challenges.

Advocating for Global Standards in AI Development

At the G20 Summit’s third session, President Tinubu called for a global framework that benefits communities in Nigeria and Africa hosting critical minerals. He emphasized the necessity for value addition at the source, thereby enhancing local economies. Additionally, he voiced support for the establishment of global ethical standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to facilitate accelerated development worldwide.

Shettima’s participation in these high-level meetings reflects Nigeria’s active engagement in global discussions about governance, development, and security. As the nation navigates these complex international dynamics, the Vice President’s efforts to articulate Nigeria’s position on the global stage are crucial.