The Digest:
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 39th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Stanley Nkwocha, the VP's spokesman, said the meeting focused on recent developments in Nigeria, the country's role in strengthening multilateral cooperation, and regional security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel. Guterres commended Nigeria's economic reforms and growing leadership role in promoting peace and stability across the continent. Shettima arrived in Addis Ababa to represent President Bola Tinubu at the AU summit themed 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.' The summit runs February 14-15.
Key Points:
- The high-level engagement reinforces Nigeria's diplomatic influence and partnership with the UN.
- It strengthens prospects for international support on security challenges in the Sahel region.
- Nigeria gains enhanced diplomatic visibility, while the UN secures a key partner in West Africa.
- This signals international recognition of Nigeria's reform efforts and regional leadership.
- The timing, ahead of the AU summit, positions Nigeria to shape key continental decisions.
Sources: TheCable, Stanley Nkwocha/X (Twitter)
