Shettima Departs Abuja to Represent Tinubu at G20 Leaders’ Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday departed Abuja to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Shettima’s trip follows Tinubu’s last-minute decision to remain in Nigeria to handle urgent national security matters, including rising tensions and recent attacks in the North-West and North-Central regions.

Tinubu opted to stay behind after receiving intensified security briefs relating to the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State and an attack on worshippers in Kwara State. According to Vanguard

Tinubu Stays Back Over Security Briefings

Reports indicate that the President has ordered the immediate reinforcement of security personnel in the affected states and directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate temporarily to the crisis zones for better coordination.

Tinubu’s decision underscores the gravity of the situation at home and the administration’s intention to prioritise domestic stability even while maintaining strong global diplomatic engagements.

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Shettima’s Mission at the G20 Summit

Shettima, who is attending on the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, will participate in a series of high-level economic and political engagements at the summit scheduled for November 22–23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.

The Vice President is expected to meet world leaders, heads of international financial institutions, and representatives from the African Union and European Union.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media & Communications, confirmed the trip and emphasised Shettima’s mandate:

“The Vice President will represent the President fully and deliver Nigeria’s strategic position at the summit,” Nkwocha said,

He added that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after the summit concludes.

Nigeria Balances Diplomacy and Domestic Pressures

Diplomatic analysts say Shettima’s participation sends a strong message that Nigeria remains committed to global cooperation, even as it addresses severe internal challenges.

Foreign-policy experts who spoke with BusinessDay noted that Nigeria must not withdraw from influential global platforms, especially at a time when major economic and security alliances are being reshaped.

The G20 Summit presents Nigeria with opportunities to:

• Seek new economic partnerships

• Attract investment

• Strengthen regional cooperation

• Engage major economies on energy, trade, and development

As Shettima takes the global stage in Johannesburg, Nigeria attempts to strike a delicate balance maintaining its voice in international affairs while confronting critical security challenges at home.

His presence ensures that the country does not lose momentum in crucial global conversations.

“Nigeria must engage the world even as we confront our toughest internal battles,”