Nigeria will continue championing peace, prosperity in West Africa – Shettima

Nigeria has once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace, stability and economic integration in West Africa, as Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire on Monday in Abidjan.

Speaking at the Presidential Palace where regional leaders and international dignitaries gathered, Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s warm congratulations to President Ouattara and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.

He noted that Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire share long-standing socio-economic ties that will be further strengthened under the renewed partnership.

The Vice President stressed that Nigeria remains steadfast in advancing regional peace, security and prosperity, adding that the country will continue to collaborate with other African nations to stabilise West Africa amid evolving political and economic challenges.

He highlighted opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two nations, particularly in agriculture, trade and other economic sectors capable of stimulating mutual growth.

Present at the ceremony were several African Heads of State, including the presidents of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola and Ghana, as well as former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

The United States delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg.

In his inaugural address, President Ouattara expressed gratitude to the visiting leaders for their solidarity, pledging to continue working for the welfare of Ivorians and to deepen diplomatic and economic ties for shared benefits across the region.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, the World Bank commended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.

At a meeting between Vice President Shettima and the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, the global institution pledged to scale up collaboration in key areas including energy, job creation and gender empowerment.

Bjerde revealed that the Bank is intensifying efforts to expand energy access for up to four million Nigerians, while also supporting girl-child education and empowerment programmes.

Responding, Shettima outlined the government’s ongoing reform efforts, noting that tax reforms are already producing positive outcomes.

He emphasised that the administration remains focused on converting Nigeria’s demographic bulge into economic dividends through targeted investments in gender empowerment, digital innovation and modernised agriculture.

The Vice President applauded the World Bank for its sustained support and expressed optimism that the evolving partnerships will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development goals.

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