President Bola Tinubu will not personally attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, this weekend, with Vice President Kashim Shettima designated to represent Nigeria at the high-level gathering.
A statement released on Friday by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that the Vice President will participate in the summit alongside heads of state and senior representatives from BRICS member and partner countries.
Shettima is expected to take part in plenary sessions and high-level discussions focused on global economic growth, multilateral cooperation and shared development objectives.
According to the statement, the Vice President’s programme will also include several bilateral meetings with foreign leaders and senior government officials. The engagements are expected to explore opportunities for strengthening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic relationships.
Nkwocha said the summit would provide Nigeria with another platform to expand partnerships in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology and innovation.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, joining the group as part of its broader engagement with emerging economies and the Global South.
This year’s summit is being held under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
According to the statement, Nigeria is expected to use the gathering to promote South-South cooperation and engage major emerging economies on issues including trade, investment, development finance and reforms to international governance institutions.
Shettima’s participation is also expected to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to deepen economic ties with BRICS members and other participating countries, particularly in areas capable of attracting investment and supporting national development.
The Vice President is expected to hold discussions with foreign leaders and senior officials on ways to expand cooperation and strengthen Nigeria’s position within emerging global economic partnerships.
His attendance comes as Nigeria continues to seek stronger international partnerships in areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology and solid minerals.
The statement added that Shettima will return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the summit.
