Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Economic Push at 18th BRICS Summit in India

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, placing Nigeria at a major gathering of emerging economies as the country seeks to deepen trade, investment and South South economic cooperation. Shettima arrived on September 11 alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu ahead of the September 12 and 13 summit hosted by India, ChannelsTv reported.

Shettima is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation that includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry Trade and Investment, Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, and Environment. Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, and the government says its participation is focused on expanding opportunities in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, manufacturing, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

Read Also: World Leaders Gather in New Delhi as India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit

The summit comes as BRICS leaders confront major geopolitical and economic pressures, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, disruptions to global energy and trade routes, and discussions around reducing dependence on Western dominated financial systems. India is also promoting greater cooperation on cross border payments and digital currencies, potentially creating new opportunities for emerging markets to strengthen financial connectivity.

For Nigeria, Shettima’s participation provides an opportunity to convert its BRICS partnership into practical economic gains, particularly through access to capital, technology, new markets and strategic investment. The delegation’s focus on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and industrial development also aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to leverage its large youthful population and strengthen its position within the evolving Global South economy.