According to reporting by Premium Times, the Federal Government of Nigeria has formally backed a series of institutional reforms within the African Union (AU) aimed at strengthening governance in the areas of peace and security. Vice President Kashim Shettima articulated the nation’s stance during a high-level closed session at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa. The endorsement reflects Nigeria’s strategic interest in ensuring the AU is better equipped to handle the continent’s evolving security challenges.
The move comes at a time when the continent is grappling with various insurgencies and constitutional crises. Nigeria’s leadership at the summit emphasized that a more streamlined AU governance structure is essential for swift conflict resolution and the maintenance of regional stability. By supporting these reforms, Nigeria seeks to bolster the AU’s mandate to intervene more effectively in troubled regions across Africa.
Further details indicate that the reforms are expected to reorganize the AU Commission to ensure better accountability and resource allocation. This shift is seen as a pivotal step in moving the continental body from a reactive stance to a more proactive role in peacekeeping operations.
The Punch Newspapers confirmed the development, noting that Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has officially taken over as the 2026 AU Chairman. Additionally, The Nation reported on the summit’s proceedings, quoting a senior diplomat who stated, “Nigeria’s backing provides the necessary political weight to move these security structural changes from paper to practice.” Meanwhile, a source in The Guardian highlighted the regional consensus, quoting an AU official: “The commitment shown by member states like Nigeria is a clear signal that Africa is ready to take full ownership of its security architecture.”
Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s endorsement is a calculated diplomatic move to maintain its influence as a continental powerhouse. As regional threats like the Sahelian crisis persist, these AU reforms are critical. Watch for how these structural changes affect the funding of the African Standby Force in the coming months.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856758-nigeria-backs-aus-institutional-reforms-on-peace-security.html, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
Tag: Kashim Shettima
-
Nigeria Endorses Comprehensive African Union Peace and Security Reforms
-
VP Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation to 2026 African Union Summit in Ethiopia
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 -
Tinubu Hails Imo State as Nigeria’s “Intellectual Engine” at 50
In a statement published by The Guardian, President Bola Tinubu has lauded Imo State as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s leadership and cultural heritage. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the “Imo at 50” grand finale in Owerri, the President described the state as a vital intellectual engine that consistently produces visionary leaders.
Tinubu highlighted the state’s massive contributions to Nollywood, modern African literature, and the national economy through agriculture and hospitality. He specifically praised the legacy of former Governor Sam Mbakwe and the current efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma in steering the state toward a “Golden Jubilee” that serves as a launchpad for future growth.
The celebrations included the unveiling of a compendium detailing the state’s milestones since its creation. The President’s message emphasized unity and the importance of the “Heartland” state in the broader context of Nigeria’s development.
The event was also covered by Vanguard and Channels TV, with Vanguard reporting that “the atmosphere in Owerri was one of reflection and celebration,” while Channels TV quoted the Vice President saying, “Imo’s cultural power stems from decades of refined intellect and respect for community values.”
Echotitbits take: This high-level praise is a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Southeast. The focus on “intellectual power” rather than just security issues suggests a shift in how the federal government wants to engage with the region’s identity.
Source: Gazettengr – https://gazettengr.com/imo-at-50-tinubu-hails-state-as-nigerias-intellectual-engine/ , February 8, 2026
Photo credit: Gazettengr
-
Presidency Targets 10 Million Citizens for Nationwide Financial Literacy Drive
Reporting by the State House Press Office indicates that Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched a massive initiative to train 10 million Nigerians in financial inclusion and digital skills. The program, executed through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), involves a partnership with six major professional bodies, including ICAN and CIBN. The goal is to equip women and youth with the tools needed to navigate the modern digital economy.
The Vice President emphasized that Nigeria can only reap its “demographic dividend” if the population is financially literate and ethically grounded. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with these professional institutions, the government intends to create certification pathways and mentorship platforms that will bridge the gap between rural populations and formal banking services.
The initiative was further validated by Leadership Newspaper and Tribune Online. Leadership noted that the program is a response to “visible improvements in the economy,” while Tribune Online quoted the CEO of technical partner WAWU Africa, who stated, “We are ready to provide the digital platform to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in this wealth creation journey.”
Echotitbits take: Financial literacy is a pre-requisite for the success of the government’s student loan and MSME credit schemes. If successful, this could significantly reduce the 40% unbanked rate in Nigeria. The challenge, as always, will be reaching the “last mile” in rural areas with poor internet connectivity.
Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/fg-signs-mou-with-ican-cibn-others-to-train-10m-nigerians-on-financial-literacy/, February 3, 2026
Photo credit: Arise
-
Vice President Shettima Declares Peace as Precondition for Nigeria’s Greatness
According to the Nigerian Observer, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria can become one of the world’s leading nations if citizens embrace tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Speaking during a state visit where he formally received Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the APC, Shettima argued that Nigerians share more in common than what divides them.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to help sustain stability, describing them as a moral anchor for society. The moment also carried political significance, signaling continued consolidation of ruling-party influence across different zones.
Leadership reported Shettima’s emphasis that development is impossible without peace, while The Nation highlighted his call for national reconciliation as part of the economic agenda.
Echotitbits take: It’s familiar unity rhetoric, but timely amid rising ethnic and religious friction. The real test is whether this messaging is followed by concrete policy adjustments—especially around conflict resolution, justice delivery, and how regional grievances are addressed.
Source : State House — https://statehouse.gov.ng/vp-shettima-visits-gbong-gwom-jos-preaches-tolerance-peaceful-coexistence/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: State House
-
Macro-Strategy: VP Shettima Reclassifies Food Security as National Security
Macro-Strategy: VP Shettima Reclassifies Food Security as National Security
Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria is now treating food security as a core national security and macroeconomic priority, unveiling a ‘Back to the Farm’ push aimed at reducing inflation and food-import FX pressure.
Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.
Echotitbits take: Framing food as a security issue allows the government to deploy more resources and potentially protect farming clusters more aggressively. Success depends on whether food-basket regions are actually made safe from banditry.
Source: Channel TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2025/07/30/nigerias-target-is-to-attain-food-sovereignty-shettima/ (2026-01-22)
Photo credit: Channel TV
2026-01-22 13:00:00
-
Vice President Shettima Represents Nigeria at Guinea Presidential Inauguration
Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Conakry to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya, marking the formal end of Guinea’s military transition and a return to constitutional order.
Reports say Nigeria’s participation underscores its leadership posture within ECOWAS and its interest in deepening regional economic cooperation, including trade and extractive-sector linkages.
Echotitbits take: Abuja is signaling commitment to regional stabilization and post-coup normalization. The durability of Guinea’s transition will matter for broader ECOWAS credibility and West African investment sentiment.
Source: State House Press / Leadership – https://statehouse.gov.ng/nigeria-reaffirms-ecowas-leadership-role-as-vp-shettima-graces-guinea-conakrys-presidential-inauguration/ (January 17, 2026)
Photo Credit: State House Press
-
Shettima visits Maiduguri blast victims, promises tighter protection for worship centres
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 07:00:00According to Saturday PUNCH, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited survivors of the Maiduguri mosque bombing and assured residents that Nigeria will defeat terrorism and restore stability.
The visit focused on victims receiving treatment after the explosion, with Shettima urging calm while promising sustained federal–state collaboration to protect places of worship and civilian centres.
He also framed the attack as a test of national resolve, insisting that security agencies would intensify operations and improve intelligence-led prevention as communities head into the new year.
Beyond condolences, the trip signalled a renewed political push for coordinated security measures in Borno and neighbouring hotspots, especially around markets, mosques, and other high-footfall areas.
Reuters and the Associated Press also reported the incident, with Reuters describing it as a “suspected suicide bombing” that killed worshippers and injured others, while AP said investigators found “fragments of a suicide vest” at the scene.
Echotitbits take:
This is a familiar cycle in the North-East—attack, reassurance, then a security surge. What to watch next is whether the promised coordination produces visible changes: tighter perimeter control at worship centres, quicker incident response, and disruption of supply lines for IED materials.Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-will-conquer-terrorism-says-shettima/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=rss.punchng.com)
The Punch December 27, 2025 -
Shettima Launches N1tr Dangote Education Fund, Hails Private Sector
Photo Credit:The Nation
Vice‑President Kashim Shettima has formally inaugurated the N1‑trillion Dangote Education Fund in Lagos, describing it as the largest private education support programme in Nigeria. The initiative will provide scholarships and support to 1.3 million students over 10 years, complementing government schemes such as NELFUND, UBEC and TETFUND.
Shettima said the fund shows how private capital can accelerate national development and warned that an uneducated population is a liability to the country’s future. Education officials and state governors pledged full cooperation, while experts lauded the long‑term impact of the programme on social mobility and productivity.
Source: The Nation – 12 Dec 2025
2025-12-12 10:00:00 The Nation – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12