Nigeria’s diplomatic push at the continental level gathered pace on Friday as Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the African Union summit scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.
Leading a high-level Nigerian delegation, the Vice President landed at Bole International Airport ahead of the summit’s main engagements.
His arrival was confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
Shettima was received by senior Ethiopian and Nigerian officials, including Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola; Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye; and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed.
Shortly after touchdown, Tuggar briefed the Vice President on the summit’s schedule and Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
This year’s summit is themed, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” with deliberations expected to centre on strengthening Africa’s commitment to sustainable water management and improved sanitation systems.
The focus on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is regarded as pivotal to public health, food security and economic growth across the continent.
“The 2026 focus on water and sanitation (WASH) acts as a primary human-security driver for the continent,” Tuggar wrote.
Beyond thematic sessions, Shettima will take part in the 30th General Assembly and hold high-level bilateral meetings aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic partnerships. Talks are also expected to address pressing regional concerns, including peace and security challenges in the Sahel and Sudan.
In a major development ahead of the summit, Nigeria secured a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, a move seen as reinforcing the country’s influence in shaping the continent’s financial architecture and long-term economic direction.
About the Author
