Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi this weekend as Nigeria seeks to expand trade and attract investment from major emerging economies.
The summit, scheduled at Bharat Mandapam under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, carries the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Nigeria aims to strengthen partnerships in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology and innovation, according to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Nkwocha said Nigeria’s participation would allow the country to consolidate bilateral relations with key partners and advance its strategic interests.
Shettima is expected to take part in plenary and high-level sessions on global economic growth, multilateral cooperation and shared development priorities. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior officials focused on deeper economic and diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
The Presidency described the engagement as significant for strengthening South-South cooperation and improving access to trade, investment and development finance.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025. The administration said the outreach aligns with Tinubu’s efforts to broaden international economic partnerships, draw investment and open markets for Nigerian products, particularly in agriculture, energy, solid minerals and other non-oil sectors.
The gathering marks 20 years since BRICS was established and comes as the group continues to expand its network of members and partners. Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria shortly after the summit.
