Vice President Shettima Arrives South Africa to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation at G20 Summit After Tinubu Postpones Trip Over Security Crisis

Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, today, Friday, November 21, 2025, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the prestigious 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Vice President is set to engage world leaders on issues critical to the Nigerian and African economy during the two-day summit.

Shettima’s trip follows President Tinubu’s decision to postpone his scheduled attendance to remain in Abuja and personally oversee the nation’s security response to the escalating crisis marked by recent mass abductions in Kebbi and Kwara States and the resulting closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed the arrival, noting that the Vice President was received by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

Focus on the Renewed Hope Agenda

The summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” is scheduled to hold from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, and brings together leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies, the European Union, and the African Union.

Vice President Shettima’s agenda is packed with engagements focused on driving the Renewed Hope Agenda, including discussions on financing for global development, the debt burden, energy transitions, and securing partnerships for Nigeria’s economic growth.

The decision for President Tinubu to delegate his representation underscores the gravity of the domestic security challenges currently facing Nigeria. The Vice President is expected to hold several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening economic and security cooperation between Nigeria and global partners.