VP Shettima Arrives In Addis Ababa For 39th AU Summit
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Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The Vice President, who is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation, landed at Bole International Airport ahead of the summit’s main events scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
On arrival, Senator Shettima was received by Ethiopian and Nigerian dignitaries, including Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola; Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye; and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed.
Shortly after his arrival, Ambassador Tuggar briefed the Vice President on the summit’s itinerary and Nigeria’s strategic objectives.
This year’s summit, convened under the auspices of the African Union, is themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Discussions at the summit will centre on strengthening continental commitments to sustainable water management and improved sanitation, recognised as critical pillars for public health, agricultural productivity, and the broader development aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.
According to Ambassador Tuggar, the 2026 focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene serves as a primary human security driver for the continent.
Beyond the thematic engagements, the Vice President is expected to participate in the 30th General Assembly and hold high-level bilateral meetings aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic partnerships. Key regional issues, including peace and security challenges in the Sahel and Sudan, are also expected to feature prominently in discussions.
A major highlight of the preparatory meetings was the announcement that Nigeria has secured a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, reinforcing its leadership role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.
