Reporting by Channels TV indicates that Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, which officially opens this weekend, focuses on regional integration, security, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) amidst global economic shifts.
The Vice President is expected to participate in high-level discussions concerning the continent’s food security and the reform of the AU’s financial architecture. His agenda also includes bilateral meetings with other African leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and economic cooperation within the West African sub-region and the broader continent.
Further validation from Premium Times and Leadership Newspaper highlights the importance of this trip for Nigeria’s foreign policy. Premium Times reported that “Shettima’s visit is pivotal for Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council via AU consensus,” while Leadership quoted a presidency spokesperson saying, “The Vice President will push for collective African action against terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government.”
Echotitbits take: This summit is a critical litmus test for Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa. With the AfCFTA entering a more mature phase in 2026, Shettima’s ability to secure favorable trade terms and security commitments will be vital for Nigeria’s domestic economic stability and regional influence.
Source: Channels TV – VP Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation to 2026 African Union Summit in Ethiopia
, February 14, 2026
Photo credit: Channels TV
Tag: international economics
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VP Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation to 2026 African Union Summit in Ethiopia
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Nigeria and China Strengthen Ties via Cultural Exchange
Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation through the 2026 Wushu Cultural Exchange and Chinese New Year celebration in Abuja. According to The Punch, the event served as a platform to deepen “people-to-people” relations, using martial arts as a bridge for cultural understanding. The Nigeria Wushu Kungfu Association emphasized that such exchanges are vital for fostering mutual respect and shared values between the two nations.
Reporting by Leadership indicates that the exchange is part of a wider diplomatic strategy to enhance cooperation beyond economics and infrastructure into the realm of soft power and sports. The event featured demonstrations by school children and professional athletes, showcasing the discipline and philosophy of Wushu. Daily Trust validated the event, quoting a Chinese embassy official: “Our friendship is rooted not just in trade, but in the shared heartbeat of our cultures and traditions.”
In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian government expressed interest in incorporating Wushu into school sports curriculums to promote physical fitness and discipline. A representative from the Ministry of Youth and Sports stated, “This cultural bridge provides our youth with new perspectives and opportunities for global engagement.” The celebration also coincided with the Lunar New Year, highlighting the growing Chinese community and influence in Nigeria.
Echotitbits take:
While China is often seen through the lens of infrastructure loans, this move toward “soft power” indicates a desire for more sustainable, long-term social integration. It is a strategic move to soften the image of Chinese involvement in Africa. Watch for more educational and cultural exchange programs being rolled out in Nigerian universities later this year.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nigeria-china-deepen-cultural-ties-through-martial-arts/, February 9, 2026
Photo credit: Medium
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Nigeria and Türkiye Target $5 Billion Trade Volume Amid New Bilateral Deals
According to Leadership, President Bola Tinubu and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have set an ambitious target to increase the bilateral trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye to $5 billion. During a high-level state visit to Ankara, the two leaders oversaw the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning defense, energy, and agricultural sectors. President Erdoğan praised Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa and expressed a commitment to fostering “shared prosperity.”
President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is open for business and highlighted the importance of Turkish collaboration in tackling regional security challenges and promoting economic stability. The agreements are expected to open new doors for Nigerian exporters and provide Türkiye with greater access to West African markets. This diplomatic push is seen as part of Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” agenda to diversify its economic partnerships beyond traditional Western allies.
The Nation provided further details on the defense pacts, reporting that “the deals include technology transfer for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).” Channels TV also covered the event, with an analyst stating, “This partnership could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s defense manufacturing capabilities.”
Echotitbits take: Türkiye has become a major player in defense tech, and Nigeria’s interest in their drones is no secret. If these MoUs lead to local manufacturing, it could significantly boost Nigeria’s internal security and industrial base simultaneously.
Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1694476-nigeria-turkiye-set-5bn-trade-target-sign-9-agreements-security-education/ January 28, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng
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US Pledges $2bn to UN Humanitarian Work as Trump Warns Agencies to ‘Adapt or Die’
2025-12-30 19:30:00
Figures cited by Vanguard show the Trump administration pledged $2 billion for UN-linked humanitarian assistance while pressing agencies to reform and operate under tighter financial realities.
The pledge comes amid a broader global aid squeeze, with major donors tightening budgets and the UN recalibrating how it funds life-saving interventions across conflict and hunger hotspots.
US officials argue consolidation and accountability are needed to reduce duplication, while critics warn that harsh funding conditions can force programme scale-backs in already fragile contexts.
AP reported the warning that agencies must “adapt, shrink or die” in the context of the pledge and reform push. Fox News also reported the ultimatum to “adapt, shrink, or die,” alongside the $2bn humanitarian funding commitment.
Echotitbits take: The pledge is big, but the conditions attached may matter more. Watch how funds are channelled, which crises get priority in 2026, and whether UN agencies accept consolidation or push back against politicised funding.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — December 29, 2025 (https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2025/12/29/us-pledges-2-billion-un-humanitarian-aid/stories/202512290055)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2025-12-29Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Nigeria to unveil ‘Nigeria House’ at WEF 2026 as an investment-facing pavilion
2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by Punch indicates Nigeria plans to debut “Nigeria House” at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, positioning it as a structured venue for showcasing reforms and engaging investors beyond symbolic attendance.BusinessDay describes it as a dedicated hub intended to convene senior officials, global CEOs and institutional capital, with an emphasis on deal-making and post-forum commitments.
The concept mirrors what many countries already do in Davos—create a controlled space for targeted meetings, pitching and narrative management, where success is measured by pipeline conversion, not footfall.
Nigeria House Davos describes itself as “an official national platform at the World Economic Forum 2026,” while BusinessDay frames it as translating global interest into “real economic outcomes.”
Echotitbits take: A Davos pavilion is useful only if it has follow-through. Watch for a published investment pipeline, sector-specific pitches, and a post-WEF tracker showing what converted into signed deals or funded projects.
Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-house-debuts-at-wef-2026/)
The Punch 2025-12-29Photo Credit: The Punch