By Peter Omopo
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following a week-long diplomatic and economic engagement in Guinea and Switzerland, declaring that Nigeria has reclaimed a leading position in global and regional policy conversations.
Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, the Vice President’s engagements were described as a reflection of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional cooperation in West Africa and its determination to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
While in Conakry, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and explored opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea, the Vice President proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Nigerian delegation to the World Economic Forum. A major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the country’s first sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade. The pavilion is expected to serve as a permanent investment hub, showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled “When Food Becomes Security,” Shettima unveiled Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar for national security and macroeconomic stability.
He also participated in discussions alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Minister of Finance Wale Edun to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, an African-led strategy aimed at promoting industrialisation through domestic capital and local value chains rather than reliance on foreign aid.
On the economic outlook, Shettima assured global investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a reduction in inflation to 12.94 per cent. He added that Nigeria is close to becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products, driven by the Dangote Refinery, alongside increasing exports of digital skills and talent.
The Vice President said the outcomes of the engagements underscore Nigeria’s return to the forefront of global economic and policy discussions.
