Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has embarked on a high-level diplomatic mission as Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, marking another strategic move by the Federal Government to strengthen international partnerships and attract fresh economic opportunities.
The journey, which includes official engagements in West Africa and Europe, is expected to focus on trade cooperation, regional security, and global economic collaboration. According to officials at the State House, the Vice President will hold bilateral talks with the leadership of Guinea-Conakry before proceeding to Switzerland, where he is scheduled to participate in activities connected to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
The trip forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader foreign policy agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for investment and development.
Strengthening West African Ties
As Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, the first phase of the mission will focus on reinforcing Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with Guinea-Conakry. Both countries share deep historical and economic ties, particularly within the framework of ECOWAS and regional integration efforts.
Diplomatic sources say discussions in Conakry will centre on economic cooperation, energy collaboration, and security coordination. Nigeria and Guinea-Conakry have previously worked together on issues such as regional trade facilitation, maritime security, and cross-border stability. The Vice President’s visit is expected to further consolidate these areas.
Analysts note that Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach to neighbouring countries remains critical at a time when West Africa faces challenges ranging from political instability to economic uncertainty. By engaging directly with regional partners, the Nigerian government hopes to strengthen collective responses to common problems.
Officials also disclosed that the Vice President will explore opportunities for joint investment in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure projects, sectors considered vital to the economic future of both nations.
Global Engagement in Switzerland
After concluding talks in Guinea-Conakry, Shettima will proceed to Switzerland, where the second phase of the mission unfolds. This leg of the trip has attracted significant attention because it aligns with global economic discussions linked to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, his presence at the international gathering is expected to project Nigeria’s economic priorities on a global stage. The Vice President will meet with investors, development partners, and leaders of multinational institutions to discuss opportunities in energy, technology, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The World Economic Forum has long served as a platform where countries present reform agendas and attract international capital. Nigeria, under the current administration, has made economic recovery and investment attraction a central policy objective. Shettima’s participation in Switzerland is therefore seen as part of a deliberate strategy to sell Nigeria’s economic story to the world.
Government officials say the Vice President will highlight ongoing reforms, including fiscal restructuring, efforts to improve the business climate, and initiatives to stabilize Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
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Economic Diplomacy as a Priority
This latest mission underscores the administration’s commitment to economic diplomacy. By the time Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, expectations are already high that the visit will yield tangible outcomes for Nigeria.
Over the past year, the Federal Government has intensified engagement with global investors and multilateral institutions. The goal is clear: secure partnerships that translate into job creation, industrial growth, and infrastructure development at home.
A senior presidential aide described the trip as “a deliberate step to ensure Nigeria remains visible and competitive in global economic conversations.”
According to the aide, “foreign trips are not ceremonial. They are platforms where real economic decisions are shaped. Nigeria must be present at the table.”
Addressing Domestic Concerns
Foreign trips by top Nigerian officials often spark debate at home, especially when citizens expect quicker solutions to local economic challenges. However, supporters of the administration argue that such missions are necessary to unlock long-term benefits.
They insist that as Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, the potential advantages—ranging from investment deals to strategic partnerships—justify the engagements.
Economists point out that countries competing for global capital cannot afford to be absent from major international forums. Switzerland, in particular, offers Nigeria access to high-level investors and financial institutions that can support critical development projects.
Focus on Key Sectors
During the Swiss leg of the mission, Shettima is expected to promote Nigeria’s potential in several priority sectors:
• Renewable and conventional energy
• Digital technology and innovation
• Agriculture and food security
• Transport and infrastructure
• Manufacturing and industrialization
These areas align with the Tinubu administration’s vision of economic diversification and private-sector-led growth.
Expectations From the Mission
With Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, many Nigerians are eager to see concrete outcomes. Possible gains include new trade agreements, investment commitments, and deeper cooperation with global institutions.
Policy experts believe the mission could also strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic standing at a time when global alliances are shifting and African economies are competing for attention.
A Continuing Diplomatic Push
This trip is part of a broader pattern of outreach by the Nigerian government. Since coming into office, President Tinubu and his deputies have undertaken several international engagements designed to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
As Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, the administration is sending a message that Nigeria intends to remain an active participant in global economic decision-making.
Looking Ahead
The success of the mission will ultimately be judged by its results. If the Vice President returns with investment pledges and stronger partnerships, the trip will be seen as a worthwhile venture.
For now, all eyes remain on the outcomes of the engagements as Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland, a journey that could shape Nigeria’s economic fortunes in the months ahead.
Shettima begins foreign trip to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.
