The Presidency announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu will no longer embark on scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola, where he was expected to attend high-level bilateral and economic meetings.
According to the statement, Tinubu’s decision was informed by urgent national matters requiring his presence in Nigeria. In his stead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent the country at both engagements, underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with African partners.
Shettima is expected to lead discussions on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and regional security, with emphasis on Nigeria’s role in advancing continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The Presidency assured that Nigeria’s participation will not be diminished by Tinubu’s absence, stressing that Shettima’s leadership of the delegations reflects the government’s confidence in his diplomatic and negotiation skills.
Observers note that the move highlights Tinubu’s prioritization of domestic governance challenges while maintaining Nigeria’s active presence in African diplomacy.
