Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13.
Gatekeepers News reports that Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the summit, where leaders of BRICS member and partner countries are expected to deliberate on global economic cooperation, trade, investment and other international issues.
Stanley Nkwocha, the vice-president’s spokesperson, said Shettima would participate in plenary and high-level sessions during the summit.
The visit is expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with BRICS countries and deepen economic and strategic partnerships.
The summit is being hosted by India under its 2026 BRICS chairmanship. The expanded bloc comprises 11 members, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The New Delhi meeting comes as BRICS seeks greater cooperation among emerging economies on trade, finance, technology and cross-border payments. India is also pushing for greater interoperability between members’ digital currencies to facilitate international transactions.
The summit is taking place amid geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, a BRICS member, and divisions within the bloc over the Middle East crisis.
Shettima’s participation follows Nigeria’s growing engagement with BRICS after the country became a partner country of the bloc. His attendance is expected to further Nigeria’s efforts to attract investment and expand economic cooperation with member states.
