Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
The summit, being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” is expected to focus on global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
Shettima is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, among others.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would explore new partnerships and opportunities in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade, the digital economy and other critical sectors.
She said Nigeria also planned to draw from India’s experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to create opportunities for its large youth population.
Oduwole, on her part, said the Tinubu administration was working to deepen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, which she said had previously stood at about $14 billion.
She disclosed that major investors of Indian origin had indicated interest in meeting the Nigerian delegation, adding that Nigeria also maintained important trade relationships with several BRICS countries.
At the summit, Shettima is expected to join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, as well as representatives of invited international organisations, for high-level discussions on inclusive global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
The Vice President will also participate in bilateral engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has since used the platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand its relations with major emerging economies.
The Nigerian delegation is also expected to participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled on the sidelines of the summit.
