Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
The visit focused on expanding Nigeria’s economic partnerships and strengthening its diplomatic ties with major emerging economies.
Shettima took part in high-level summit discussions.
He also held meetings with foreign leaders and international organisations.
Nigeria and India Seek Stronger Trade
One of the key meetings was between Shettima and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation between Nigeria and India.
Their discussions covered several sectors.
These included crude oil, pharmaceuticals, defence, digital technology, fintech and renewable energy.
Both sides also discussed efforts to increase bilateral trade.
Nigeria and India are looking to restore trade to previous levels of about $15 billion.
However, trade between both countries has declined in recent years.
It fell from $14.95 billion in 2021–22 to $7.13 billion in 2024–25.
The figure later recovered to about $9 billion in 2025–26.
India Shows Interest in Nigerian Crude
India is also seeking to increase its purchases of Nigerian crude oil.
A stronger crude trade could give Nigeria access to a larger export market.
It could also support the country’s foreign-exchange earnings.
However, the Nigerian government is expected to consider the request within its wider investment and economic strategy.
The discussions therefore offer an opportunity to strengthen one of Nigeria’s most important international trade relationships.
Shettima Meets Okonjo-Iweala
The Vice President also met with World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The meeting focused on Nigeria’s support for multilateral trade cooperation.
Nigeria reaffirmed its backing for a more inclusive global economic system.
Shettima also stressed the importance of cooperation among countries.
He argued that stronger international partnerships can deliver greater benefits than isolation.
Nigeria Pushes for Global Reforms
At the BRICS summit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s message on global governance.
Nigeria called for reforms to international governance structures and financial institutions.
The country also presented itself as an important gateway to Africa’s growing consumer market.
The African Continental Free Trade Area provides a major platform for this ambition.
With its large population and expanding market, Nigeria wants to attract more investment into key sectors.
More Investment Opportunities
Nigeria also used the summit to strengthen ties with BRICS members and partner countries.
Discussions covered several areas of economic importance.
They included:
- Agriculture
- Artificial intelligence
- Digital infrastructure
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Human capital development
These engagements could create new opportunities for investment, technology transfer and trade.
The outcome of Shettima’s visit will now depend on how quickly the agreements and discussions translate into concrete projects.
For Nigeria, the BRICS engagement offers another avenue to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen its position in the global economy.
