The Federal Government is seeking to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with major emerging economies this weekend as Vice President Kashim Shettima represents President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS leaders’ summit.
Nigeria, which became a BRICS partner in January 2025, will use the New Delhi meeting to pursue trade, investment and development opportunities across energy, agriculture, solid minerals and technology, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said.
The summit, hosted under India’s 2026 chairmanship, carries the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The statement said Vice President Shettima is scheduled to take part in plenary and high-level sessions with leaders and senior officials from member and partner countries.
According to Nkwocha, bilateral meetings will focus on expanding market access for Nigerian exports, attracting investment into non-oil sectors and exploring development-finance partnerships.
“Nigeria’s participation aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to broaden the country’s international economic partnerships and to diversify export markets beyond hydrocarbons,” the statement said.
The BRICS forum, which marks two decades since its founding, has expanded in recent years and now positions itself as a platform for South–South cooperation and reform of global governance institutions.
Delegates are expected to discuss political and security cooperation, economic and financial arrangements, and cultural exchanges.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Abuja shortly after the summit.
