Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, 2026, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The high-level economic gathering is scheduled for September 12–13, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam convention center.
​Nigeria is leveraging its BRICS Partner Country status to deepen bilateral ties with host nation India, drive foreign direct investment, and access India’s expertise in artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and technology.
​Speaking on behalf of the Presidency, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President) Stanley Nkwocha outlined the key objectives of the delegation’s mission:
​”The engagement will provide Nigeria with another platform to strengthen partnerships in trade and investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and innovation, while promoting greater cooperation among countries of the Global South,” Nkwocha stated. “This is consistent with President Tinubu’s drive to attract investment and expand markets for Nigerian products.”
​Joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Vice President Shettima will hold high-level bilateral discussions with Indian officials and private sector leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Discussions focus on scaling joint ventures in technology, non-oil sectors, renewable energy, and digital skills development.
​Held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” the 18th summit gathers leaders from 11 core member states, including host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside partner nations.
​Nigeria views its participation as a vital mechanism to reform global economic governance and expand trade channels across emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Abuja following the conclusion of the summit plenary sessions.
