How Shettima’s foreign engagements position Nigeria among progressive nations.

How Shettima’s foreign engagements position Nigeria among progressive nations.

By: Dr. James Bwala

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s international engagements have significantly elevated Nigeria’s profile among progressive nations. Through strategic diplomacy and active participation in global forums, Shettima has positioned Nigeria as a proactive contributor to international development and security initiatives. His efforts in fostering bilateral relations with key countries have enhanced economic cooperation, attracting foreign investment critical for Nigeria’s growth.

Shettima’s focus on addressing transnational challenges such as terrorism and climate change aligns Nigeria with global priorities, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. By advocating for collaborative solutions, he underscores Nigeria’s role as a responsible stakeholder in regional stability and environmental stewardship. These engagements not only boost Nigeria’s diplomatic leverage but also create avenues for technological exchange and capacity building.

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The VP’s diplomatic activities serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s integration into the community of progressive nations. His leadership exemplifies how effective international engagement can translate into tangible socio-economic benefits at home while projecting a positive national image abroad. Between 2023 and 2025, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima actively engaged in international collaborations aimed at fostering innovation and policy development within Africa. In 2023, Vice President Kashim Shettima played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s international engagements, particularly through fostering collaborations between the Nigerian government and global academic institutions. A notable instance was his meeting with a delegation from the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and the London School of Economics’ Philanthropy and Global Engagement division held in Lagos and Abuja. This engagement centered on partnership opportunities with Nigeria’s newly launched Presidential Initiative for Innovation, Policy Evaluation, and Research (PIIPER), which aims to enhance policy development through rigorous research.

During this interaction, VP Shettima underscored the critical importance of bridging academia and government to address Africa’s political economy challenges effectively. His approach reflects a broader strategic vision to leverage international expertise in innovation and policy evaluation to promote sustainable development within Nigeria. By championing such collaborative frameworks, Shettima’s international engagements in 2023 contributed to positioning Nigeria as an active participant in global knowledge exchange networks essential for national growth.

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Notably, in 2024, Shettima played an instrumental role in facilitating dialogues between Nigerian policymakers and international financial institutions, aiming to secure funding and technical support for various developmental projects across the continent. These dialogues were crucial in aligning Nigeria’s fiscal strategies with international best practices, thereby enhancing the nation’s capacity to implement impactful economic reforms. These efforts not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also helped in establishing a framework for sustained economic growth and development across the region. Through these comprehensive international engagements, Shettima effectively positioned Nigeria to harness global insights and resources, fostering an environment conducive to transformative economic policy-making and regional leadership. 

The VP’s proactive engagement with international stakeholders has been pivotal in fostering bilateral agreements that prioritize technology transfer and capacity building, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global market. This strategic positioning also opened avenues for Nigeria to play a more active role in regional peacekeeping initiatives, leveraging international partnerships to enhance security and stability across West Africa. This multifaceted approach not only strengthened Nigeria’s diplomatic ties but also underscored Shettima’s commitment to leveraging international collaboration for domestic benefit.

In 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima significantly enhanced Nigeria’s international profile through strategic engagements aimed at attracting investment and fostering development partnerships. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Shettima actively promoted Nigeria as a promising destination for investors by highlighting key infrastructure projects such as the coastal highway and West African gas pipeline, which exemplify President Tinubu’s modernization agenda. 

By countering prevailing negative perceptions about Nigeria and Africa, he sought to reposition the country within the global economic landscape. Furthermore, his participation in high-level discussions with African leaders like South African President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored a commitment to regional collaboration and leadership cohesion on international platforms. 

Shettima’s advocacy extended beyond economic diplomacy into human capital development during the 2025 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings. 

He emphasized the importance of data-driven policies under Nigeria’s Human Capital Development 2.0 strategy, advocating for sustained political will and equitable investment in people rather than solely natural resources. His calls for enhanced international collaboration aimed at improving data collection mechanisms reflect a nuanced understanding of policy implementation challenges and highlight his focus on inclusive growth strategies. Collectively, these engagements demonstrate Shettima’s multifaceted approach to positioning Nigeria as both an investment hub and a nation committed to sustainable human development.

* * James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja. 

How Shettima’s foreign engagements position Nigeria among progressive nations.