Shettima Arrives New Delhi for 18th BRICS Leadership Summit
·Nigeria seeks deepen $14bn trade relationship with India Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS
Vice President Kashim Shettima has journeyed to New Delhi, India, to represent Nigeria at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The summit, themed 'Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', aims to enhance bilateral ties, expand trade opportunities, and strengthen cooperation among BRICS member and partner nations.
Shettima is leading a delegation that includes Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal, among others.
During the summit, Shettima will engage in high-level discussions with BRICS leaders and invited international organizations on topics such as inclusive global growth, resilience, innovation, and sustainable development. The Nigerian delegation will participate in bilateral engagements aimed at advancing Nigeria's economic and diplomatic interests, particularly in areas like trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and industrial development.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, and since then, it has sought to strengthen South-South cooperation and broaden relations with major emerging economies. The Nigerian delegation will also attend the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled during the summit.
Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria plans to explore new partnerships and opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade, and the digital economy. She expressed interest in learning from India's experience in deploying technology and artificial intelligence to create opportunities for its large youth population.
Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Dr. Oduwole stated that the Tinubu government is committed to deepening Nigeria's trade relationship with India, which had previously reached approximately $14 billion. She added that major investors of Indian origin have shown interest in meeting the Nigerian delegation, highlighting the potential for further strengthening these relationships.
Nigeria has historically traded oil with India, and the administration aims to expand this relationship and explore other areas of mutual benefit.
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