The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Shettima

  • Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UNGA

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

    Shettima arrived in Abuja on Monday after spending several days in the US, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders.

    The Vice President had departed Nigeria on September 20 following Tinubu’s directive to lead the Nigerian delegation to the UNGA.

    During the visit, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on behalf of the President.

    According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria used the gathering to renew its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council.

    The Federal Government also advocated permanent African representation on the Security Council, improved access to global financing, increased climate support and stronger international cooperation.

    At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, the Nigerian delegation called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals by investing in processing, manufacturing and other forms of value addition.

    Shettima also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education.

    The Vice President expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign and described education as a key investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.

    During his stay in New York, Shettima also met with members of the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted the role of their investments, expertise and international networks in supporting Nigeria’s development.

    The Vice President held additional meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.

    According to the statement, the engagements covered areas including development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.

    Shettima’s return marks the end of his assignment as Nigeria’s representative at the 81st UN General Assembly on behalf of President Tinubu.

  • Atiku Demands Explanation for Tinubu’s Absence From 81st UNGA

    Atiku Demands Explanation for Tinubu’s Absence From 81st UNGA

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, demanding an explanation for his absence.

    Atiku’s criticism followed the decision by Tinubu to mandate Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders.

    Shettima departed Nigeria for New York on Sunday and arrived ahead of the high-level General Debate, which is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, 2026. The session is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described Tinubu’s absence as his third consecutive non-attendance at the UN General Assembly since becoming President.

    Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, but was represented by Shettima at the 79th session in 2024 and the 80th in 2025. Shettima will now represent him for a third successive year.

    Atiku argued that the General Assembly provides heads of government with an important opportunity to advance their countries’ interests, pursue investment and trade partnerships, mobilise development financing and engage other world leaders on international issues.

    He said while Shettima could adequately represent Nigeria, repeated delegation could not replace the President’s personal participation and visibility at a major diplomatic gathering.

    Atiku also questioned whether Tinubu’s past legal history in the United States had any connection with his decision not to attend this year’s meeting, although no official statement has linked the President’s absence to any restriction on his travel to the US.

    The Presidency has rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence is connected to any difficulty travelling to the United States.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, said there was no impediment to Tinubu travelling to the US, pointing to the President’s previous visits to the country.

    Osodi said the President’s absence would not diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing or its role in international affairs, describing the issue as political.

    Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, also defended the country’s representation, saying it was not unusual for countries to send senior officials when their presidents were unable to attend.

    Ibrahim said Nigeria would retain its designated position at the General Assembly, while Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu would participate in the high-level diplomatic engagements.

    Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week.

    According to the Presidency, his engagements will focus on advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting the country’s interests on issues including global financial reform, sustainable development and climate finance.

    The Vice President, who arrived in New York on Monday, said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by national interest and its commitment to multilateralism.

    The Nigerian delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

    The 81st UN General Assembly is expected to bring together representatives of the UN’s 193 member states for discussions on international issues including global security, climate change, development, artificial intelligence and reform of multilateral institutions.

  • Nigeria India Target $15bn Trade Revival as Modi Pushes for More Crude Imports

    Nigeria India Target $15bn Trade Revival as Modi Pushes for More Crude Imports

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Nigeria and India have agreed to work towards restoring bilateral trade to its previous peak of nearly $15 billion, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for renewed crude oil purchases from Nigeria.

    The agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

    Bilateral trade between the two countries has declined significantly in recent years, falling from $14.95 billion in the 2021–2022 financial year to $7.13 billion in 2024–2025, largely due to a reduction in India’s crude oil purchases from Nigeria.

    Trade later increased to about $9 billion in 2025–2026.

    During the meeting, Modi emphasised the importance of rebuilding energy trade as part of efforts to return commercial relations between both countries to previous levels.

    Shettima assured the Indian Prime Minister that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would consider India’s request for increased crude oil purchases from Nigeria.

    Beyond crude oil, the Vice President stressed the need for both countries to deepen economic cooperation by moving beyond traditional commodity trade.

    He said Nigeria was interested in attracting investments that would support local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and promote technology transfer, particularly for the country’s young population.

    Nigeria and India also identified fintech, digital public infrastructure and the creative industry as areas for stronger collaboration.

    The two countries further agreed to explore partnerships in defence technology, power generation and clean energy, while promoting investment in pharmaceuticals, healthcare and capacity development.

    On the social development front, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said Nigeria was drawing from India’s women-led self-help group model through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up.

    She said the initiative uses Women Affinity Groups to promote financial inclusion, grassroots businesses and social protection.

    According to the minister, the programme forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to build an economy valued at $1 trillion.

  • Shettima Leads Nigeria’s BRICS Engagement in India

    Shettima Leads Nigeria’s BRICS Engagement in India

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit as Nigeria seeks to strengthen economic, trade and diplomatic ties with countries within the bloc.

    The summit, which is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” is expected to provide Nigeria with opportunities to attract investment and expand cooperation in key areas of the economy.

    Shettima is leading a Nigerian delegation that includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

    Ahead of the summit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would use its participation to pursue new partnerships and investment opportunities in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade and the digital economy.

    She said Nigeria was particularly interested in learning from India’s experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to create opportunities for its large youth population.

    “India is firm in its expertise in agriculture and, of course, even in the digital economy. In fact, prior to this, we had a session dealing with women in the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and we are leveraging India’s greatest strength, which is in the engagement of its youth population,” she said.

    Oduwole also said the Federal Government was seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, which she said had previously reached about $14 billion.

    According to the minister, major Indian investors had expressed interest in meeting with the Nigerian delegation, while Nigeria also maintains significant trade relationships with other BRICS countries.

    “And so, deepening those relationships will further strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. India used to buy Nigerian oil quite a lot, so we are looking at how to expand that with everything going on in the world,” Oduwole said.

    At the summit, Shettima is expected to join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries and representatives of invited international organisations for discussions on global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.

    The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.

    Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing the country with an additional platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen engagement with major emerging economies.

    The Nigerian delegation will also participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled alongside the summit.

  • Tinubu Celebrates Shettima at 60, Calls Him ‘Patriot and Trusted Ally’

    Tinubu Celebrates Shettima at 60, Calls Him ‘Patriot and Trusted Ally’

    … First Lady, Remi Tinubu Celebrates Vice President, Kashim Shettima at 60

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have extended warm congratulations to Vice President Kashim Shettima on the milestone occasion of his 60th birthday, hailing him as a trusted ally, true patriot, and deeply committed public servant.

    President Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday ahead of the Vice President’s actual birthday on Wednesday, noted that he gladly rejoiced with Shettima’s wife, Nana, his children, extended family, and political associates during this celebration.

    “Kashim is not just a trusted ally or a valued colleague, but also a patriot whose life has been defined by service, commitment and sacrifice for worthy causes,” President Tinubu said.

    The President went on to praise Shettima’s background in banking, alongside his extensive record of service to both Borno State and the entire country.

    “Shettima’s unwavering commitment to our nation’s progress and unity is particularly worthy of mention. I commend him for his years of dedicated public service, first as Governor of Borno State and subsequently as Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In both capacities, Kashim has demonstrated courage, diligence, compassion and an abiding commitment to improving the lives of the people,” the President stated.

    Tinubu also highly acknowledged Shettima’s “loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), support for the administration and his unwavering dedication to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    In particular, the President lauded the Vice President’s steering of the National Economic Council, stating that Shettima has offered exceptional leadership in aligning economic policies and bridging cooperation between the Federal Government and sub-national governments.

    “His respect for constitutional governance, democratic institutions, and dialogue and consultation has helped strengthen good governance,” Tinubu added.

    Emphasising their strong bond, the President called Shettima a trusted partner, asserting that his “loyalty, wisdom and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration.”

    He expressed deep gratitude to the Vice President for his unwavering support in bringing the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda to reality for Nigerians.

    “I am confident that working together, we will continue to make meaningful progress in building the Nigeria of our dreams. On behalf of the Federal Government, I again congratulate Vice President Shettima on this milestone, and I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to guide, protect, and strengthen him. May Allah grant him wisdom and good health, and bless him with many more years of purposeful service to Nigeria,” the President concluded.

    In a separate congratulatory message released on Wednesday, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu warmly joined Nana Shettima, the Vice President’s family, and well-wishers to mark the historic Diamond Jubilee.

    “On this occasion of your Diamond Jubilee, I join your wife, Her Excellency Hajia Nana Shettima, family and friends in celebrating you,” she said.

    The First Lady beautifully described the Vice President as a leader who has consistently exemplified “strength, loyalty, commitment and love for country.”

    She further celebrated his diverse professional and political milestones, referencing his past achievements as a seasoned banker, the former Governor of Borno State, and a former Senator.

    “As you attain this milestone, I pray Almighty Allah continues to bless you with divine health, peace, joy and happiness,” the First Lady concluded.

  • 2023 Election: Court dismisses PDP’s suit seeking disqualification of Tinubu, Shettima

    2023 Election: Court dismisses PDP’s suit seeking disqualification of Tinubu, Shettima

    The Abuja division of the Federal High Court, has dismissed the suit filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking the disqualification of Sen. Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), and his running mate, Mr Kassim Shettima, for the 2023 general elections.

    In his judgment, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the suit on the ground that the PDP lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.

    Justice Ekwo, who held that the case was caught by the principle of issue estoppel, described the suit as an abuse of court process.

    PDP had, in its originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1734/2022, sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Tinubu and Shettima as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

    In the suit filed on July 28, 2022, the party challenged the validity of Sen. Tinubu to contest for the 2023 presidential election as APC candidate on the ground that Mr Shettima’s nomination as his running mate was in breach of the provisions of Sections 29(1), 33, 35 and 84{1)}(2)} of the Electoral Act, 2022 (as amended).

    It argued that Shettima’s nomination to contest the position of vice president and Borno Central Senatorial seat contravened the law.

    The PDP, which sought an order disqualifying the APC, Tinubu and Shettima from contesting the presidential election scheduled for Feb. 25, also sought an order nullifying their candidacy.

    It further sought an order compelling INEC to remove their names from its list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to contest the poll. But the defendants, in their preliminary objection filed by Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction. They argued that the plaintiff (PDP) lacked the locus standi (legal right) to file the case, which invariably was challenging the political party’s decision and its nomination of candidates for the polls.

    They further submitted that such act was an internal affairs of APC, which they argued, was non-justiciable.

    Justice Ekwo in his judgment agreed with the defendants that the PDP had no locus standi to file the matter. He said the court found that the action was incompetent for lack of locus standi.

    Ekwo held that that matter bordered on the internal affairs of the APC in which the PDP lacked locus to file the case. On argument about non-disclosure of cause of action against the respondents, the judge said that there was a nexus between locus standi and a cause of action.

    He, therefore, said that, since the PDP had no locus standi, it also did not have any cause of action against the defendants. Justice Ekwo also agreed with the defendants that the suit was an abuse of the court process. The judge said that it had been established that the PDP was not an aspirant of the APC.

    (Sun)

  • JUST IN: Tinubu announces Fmr. Gov. Shettima as running mate

    JUST IN: Tinubu announces Fmr. Gov. Shettima as running mate

    The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has announced Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate.

    He announced this while addressing journalists in Katsina on Sunday, according to a presidential aide, Buhari Sallau.

    This is coming hours after Tinubu met with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, alongside Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.

    Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State had on Saturday revealed that Tinubu had settled for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

    Tinubu earlier chose Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, as placeholder for the vice-presidential slot.

    Shettima is an outspoken Muslim politician from the Kanuri tribe from Borno State.

    In 1993, he moved into the banking sector and was employed by (now defunct) Commercial Bank of Africa Limited as head of accounts unit at the bank’s office in Ikeja, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria. Shettima was there from 1993 to 1997.

    Kashim attended Lamisula Primary School in Maiduguri from 1972 to 1978; Government Community Secondary School, Biu in southern part of Borno State from 1978 to 1980; transferred to Government Science Secondary School, Potiskum (now in neighbouring Yobe State) where he completed his secondary education in 1983.

    He studied at the University of Maiduguri and earned a Degree (BSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1989.

    He obtained a Master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1991 at the University of Ibadan in Southwest, Nigeria. Shettima joined the University of Maiduguri as a Lecturer with the Department of Agricultural Economics and was in the academia from 1991 to 1993.

    From 2007 to 2011, he served as Commissioner in five ministries.

    He was Commissioner of Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs (2008), Education (2009), Agriculture and Natural Resources and finally to the Ministry of Health from where he contested the Governorship in 2011 which he won under the platform of the now defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party and was inaugurated on May 29, 2011.

    He won reelection in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress and was chosen as Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, an umbrella body of Governors in the 19 States located in northern Nigeria.

    (Punch)