Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit.
The development was confirmed on Thursday in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the statement, the Vice President will participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly. The meetings are scheduled to take place on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
The summit, which brings together leaders from across the African continent, is one of the most important annual gatherings of the AU. It provides an opportunity for heads of state and government to review progress on key issues affecting Africa and to agree on collective actions.
This year’s summit has the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
The theme highlights the urgent need for African countries to improve access to clean water and proper sanitation. Across the continent, millions of people still lack safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. This situation has serious effects on health, education, and economic growth.
Agenda 2063, adopted by the African Union in 2013, is a long-term development plan aimed at transforming Africa into a prosperous, united, and peaceful continent. The plan outlines goals in areas such as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and industrialisation.
By focusing on water and sanitation at this year’s summit, AU leaders are expected to review progress made so far and agree on steps to improve investment and cooperation in these areas.
As Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, Nigeria plays a key role in AU activities. The country has often contributed to peacekeeping missions, economic cooperation efforts, and continental policy discussions.
Vice President Shettima’s participation at the summit is seen as part of Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and leadership within the AU.
Mr. Nkwocha stated that while in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will also take part in high-level side events on the margins of the summit. These side meetings often focus on specific issues such as climate change, trade, security, and investment.
In addition, Shettima is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other African leaders as well as political and business figures. Such engagements are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.
The 2026 AU Summit comes at a time when many African countries are facing economic pressure, climate challenges, and security concerns. Rising food prices, unemployment, and debt burdens remain serious issues in several nations.
Climate change has also affected water availability in many regions, leading to droughts in some areas and flooding in others. These problems make discussions on sustainable water management especially relevant.
Nigeria itself faces challenges in water supply and sanitation, particularly in rural communities and rapidly growing urban areas. Government agencies at federal and state levels have been working on projects aimed at improving access to clean water and modern sanitation facilities.
The statement from the Presidency noted that Vice President Shettima is accompanied by cabinet ministers and other senior government officials. Though their names were not listed, such delegations typically include officials from ministries related to foreign affairs, water resources, environment, and finance.
Their presence is expected to support Nigeria’s participation in technical discussions and bilateral meetings.
According to Mr. Nkwocha, the Vice President will return to Nigeria after completing his official engagements in Ethiopia.
The African Union, headquartered in Addis Ababa, holds its ordinary sessions annually. Decisions taken at these meetings often shape continental policies and guide cooperation among member states.