Shettima departs Abuja for 2026 AU summit in Ethiopia

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit.

The high-level gathering, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” is expected to centre on strategies for sustainable water resource management, improved sanitation infrastructure, and the broader developmental targets outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063 blueprint.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President will participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government. He will also attend the 30th General Assembly, both scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.

Beyond the main plenary sessions, Shettima is billed to engage in high-level side events and hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders across the continent. The engagements, the Presidency said, are aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, expanding economic cooperation, and strengthening strategic partnerships within Africa.

The Vice President is accompanied by cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

He is expected back in Nigeria upon the conclusion of his official engagements in Addis Ababa.