Vice President Kashim Shettima asserted that the economic reforms and diplomatic alliances initiated by Tinubu aim to draw investments and collaborations to Nigeria, while also fostering global and regional cooperation. As conveyed by his media office, the Vice President made these remarks during his speech to global leaders at the 3rd BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue.
This event took place on the fringes of the ongoing 15th BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. In this capacity, Vice President Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, “The new government, which began less than three months ago, is examining the variables and evaluating the scope and level of regional and global cooperation to pursue in order to establish Nigeria as the desired friend and partner.”
Speaking to a large audience that includes Presidents of China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, and Russia’s Foreign Minister on the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism,’, VP Shettima said the theme “underscores the profound realization that the cornerstone of stability within our intricate multipolar landscape lies in fostering developmental partnerships”.
He commended the efforts of the organizers for focusing on the agenda items which centers on “BRICS and Africa, stating that the agenda aligns with “the aspiration of the people we represent, the future citizens of a world that can ensure our collective prosperity.”
While extending Nigeria’s gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for convening the 15th BRICS Summit, the Vice President said “The BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS-Plus Dialogue provide a unique platform for deliberation, note comparison, and exploration of a mutually beneficial partnership that could evolve into a novel driving force for development.
‘’The international global governance structure to which we currently adhere was established prior to the independence of the African continent and many countries in the global south. So, it’s indeed imperative to reform global governance to align with the realities of today’s world and to acknowledge the necessity for partnerships that ensure shared prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development.”
The Vice President assured that Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu “is committed to shaping and fortifying the global framework and governance concerning all major international issues, particularly in the fields of finance, climate change, bridging the digital divide, adopting a comprehensive strategy towards debt alleviation, addressing food and energy insecurities, instituting post-pandemic recovery measures, and fostering financial inclusion within developing countries.”
Stressing the need for a revitalized international cooperation that is effective, representative, and inclusive to tackle the challenges facing the world, Vice President Shettima opined that Nigeria is ready for collaboration and a “partnership that guarantees a world governed by acceptable rules and norms.
“We seek a partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity, and shared progress with no marginalization based on geography, race, and legitimate sovereign affiliations”, he affirmed.
On the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Vice President observed that the reality of achieving the SDGs remains bleak for many developing countries.
He said, “These nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation. This endeavor aims to foster global economic governance reform while enhancing the representation and voice of emerging market economies or developing countries.”
Vice President Shettima, placing a strong emphasis on partnership as a pivotal solution to current global challenges, actively seeks robust global alliances by harnessing the agricultural potential of nations, propelling a revolution in Africa through renewable energy, fostering technological advancements, innovation, and job creation for comprehensive and equitable progress, facilitating collaborative actions on climate change, and embracing nature-centered approaches to development.
Furthermore, his vision encompasses bolstering dynamic participation of the private sector within global southern countries, nurturing youth employment and skill development to counteract terrorism, organized crime, and associated issues. He advocates for proactive crisis prevention, and enhanced resilience, and underscores the importance of involving business leadership to shape an improved and optimal landscape for trade and economic interactions within the Global South.
On an earlier note, during his address on the third day of the Summit, Cyril Ramaphosa, the Chair of BRICS and President of South Africa affirmed South Africa’s unwavering dedication to advancing the interests of the global south. He also announced a significant expansion of the Summit’s objectives, including the admission of six new full members: Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Within the Vice President’s delegation to the Summit were Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Mohammed Haruna Mantra, the Consul-General of Ambassador Andrew Idi, and other senior government officials.