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: Nigeria foreign policy
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VP Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation to 2026 African Union Summit in Ethiopia
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Tinubu Approves Strategic Postings for Top Nigerian Envoys to U.S. and UK
Tinubu Approves Strategic Postings for Top Nigerian Envoys to U.S. and UK
According to Premium Times reporting, President Bola Tinubu has officially cleared the deployment of four high-level ambassadors-designate to represent Nigeria’s interests in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey. This move is aimed at filling critical vacancies in Nigeria’s primary diplomatic missions, which have been managed by lower-level officials for several months. The appointments follow a rigorous Senate confirmation process that concluded late last year.
The strategic reorganization is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral ties with these global powerhouses. Among the notable postings, Colonel Lateef Are has been assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a seasoned diplomat formerly stationed in South Korea, will lead the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom. Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been designated for the mission in France, completing the trio of major Western postings.
In a simultaneous development, the Daily Post confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the host countries immediately to facilitate the formal assumption of duties. Furthermore, The Nation reported that these postings are part of a broader “reinvigoration of Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery.” A government spokesperson noted that the President is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s voice is heard clearly in the world’s most influential capitals.
Echotitbits take: These appointments are long overdue and signal a shift toward active economic diplomacy. By placing experienced hands in D.C. and London, the administration is likely looking to secure more favorable trade terms and attract foreign direct investment. Watch for a flurry of bilateral meetings in the coming months as these envoys settle in.
Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/851383-tinubu-posts-four-ambassadors-designate-to-us-uk-france-turkey.html(2026-01-23)
Photo Credit: Premium Times 2026-01-23
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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
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Somaliland recognition shock: Somalia, AU and partners push back after Israel’s move
Photo Credit: Reuters
2025-12-28 09:00:00In a Reuters report, Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent, a move Somalia condemned as unlawful and destabilising for the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s government and regional partners warned the recognition could encourage secessionist bids and inflame an already volatile neighbourhood with competing security interests.
Diplomatic responses broadened quickly, with multiple states and blocs reiterating support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Reuters quoted Somalia’s government calling the move an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack,” while AP reported a joint statement rejecting Israel’s recognition “given the serious repercussions… on peace and security.”
Echotitbits take: The big watch is whether recognition triggers a domino effect or stays isolated. For Africa, the tension is between de facto realities and the AU’s long-standing anti-fragmentation stance.
Source: Reuters — December 26, 2025 (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-recognises-somaliland-somalias-breakway-region-independent-state-2025-12-26/)
Reuters December 26, 2025
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-recognises-somaliland-somalias-breakway-region-independent-state-2025-12-26/ -
Burkina Faso Releases Nigerian Air Force Crew After Emergency Landing Talks
2025-12-18 00:00:00
In a report carried by Punch, Burkina Faso has released Nigerian Air Force personnel detained after a military aircraft made an emergency landing, following diplomatic engagement between both countries.
The development, according to the report, followed high-level talks led by Nigeria’s foreign affairs officials, with authorities seeking to de-escalate what had become a sensitive regional incident.
The aircraft, Punch notes, was en route for scheduled maintenance when the emergency diversion occurred—an episode that unfolded amid broader tensions in the Sahel region.
The Associated Press quoted a spokesperson as saying, “Matters have been resolved, they are no longer detained,” while noting that the incident had triggered heightened security posture in the Sahel alliance. (AP)
The Guardian earlier described the landing as an “unauthorised” incident that deepened a diplomatic standoff and fuelled conflicting reports about the troops’ status. (The Guardian)
Analysis/Echotitbits take: The quick resolution underscores how fragile airspace and security incidents can become in West Africa’s current climate. Watch for whether this episode leads to new protocols on military transit, clearer regional deconfliction channels, and re-calibrated Nigeria–Sahel alliance engagement.
Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/843935-burkina-faso-frees-detained-nigerian-soldiers.html)
Photo credit: Premium Times
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ADC Applauds Benin Coup Response, Calls for Same Urgency at Home
The African Democratic Congress commended the Federal Government for rapid intervention during the attempted coup in Benin Republic, but urged the same urgency in tackling insurgency and banditry within Nigeria.
The party also emphasised that foreign deployments should follow constitutional procedures, including National Assembly ratification.
2025-12-08
Vanguard
2025-12-08