Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, where he is expected to meet with global leaders and development partners on economic, security and climate-related issues.

Shettima arrived in South Africa on Friday and was received at the Waterkloof Air Force Base by senior Nigerian and South African officials. The Vice President will attend the summit scheduled for November 22–23 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, joining leaders from G20 member nations, the African Union, the European Union and major financial institutions.

In a statement, the Presidency said the Vice President is scheduled to “engage foreign leaders and development partners on issues relating to the economy, security, climate change, among others.” He was welcomed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Chargé d’Affaires, Amb. Alexander Ajayi; Consul General, Amb. Umar Bashir; Defence Adviser, Commodore Ibrahim Ari Gwaska; and senior South African officials including Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

President Tinubu, who was originally billed to attend the summit on November 19 at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, remained in Nigeria due to recent security incidents. According to the statement, “President Tinubu had to cancel his departure and delegated Senator Shettima to represent him, as he remains in Nigeria to receive security briefings following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.”

The summit themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” will focus on global economic cooperation, finance for development and debt issues, climate action and food systems. Delegates, including Shettima, will participate in three major panel sessions addressing these topics.

The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings at the event to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and discuss regional and international peace, security and development priorities. He is scheduled to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the engagements.

The statement was signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), dated November 21, 2025. (Arise News)