Shettima Departs to Addis Ababa for 2026 AU Summit

photo credit: Channels TV

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

According to a statement issued Thursday by the Vice President’s Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, this year’s summit is themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

The gathering will focus on reinforcing Africa’s commitment to sustainable water management, expanding access to safe sanitation, and accelerating progress toward the broader development targets outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063 blueprint.

During his visit, Shettima will participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the 30th General Assembly, scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Vice President is expected to attend high-level side events and hold bilateral meetings with African leaders and business executives. The Presidency said the engagements are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties across the continent.

Shettima is accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior government officials and is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements.