Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, August 24, said President Bola Tinubu-led administration is structuring its economic reforms and diplomatic alliances to suit the purposes of attracting investments and partnerships to Nigeria.
Shettima stated this in his address to world leaders at the 3rd BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue on the sidelines of the on-going 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa where he represented President Bola Tinubu.
According to a statement issued by the director of information in his office, Olusola Abiola, the vice president said while the administration repositions the economy and diplomatic alliances, it will also be working to align with international and regional cooperation.
He said: “The new government, which began less than three months ago, is examining the variables and evaluating the scope and level of regional and global cooperation to pursue in order to establish Nigeria as the desired friend and partner.”
Speaking to a large audience which includes Presidents of China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia’s Foreign Minister on the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism,’, VP Shettima said the theme “underscores the profound realization that the cornerstone of stability within our intricate multipolar landscape lies in fostering developmental partnerships”.
He said: “The new government, which began less than three months ago, is examining the variables and evaluating the scope and level of regional and global cooperation to pursue in order to establish Nigeria as the desired friend and partner.”
Speaking to a large audience which includes Presidents of China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia’s Foreign Minister on the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism,’, VP Shettima said the theme “underscores the profound realization that the cornerstone of stability within our intricate multipolar landscape lies in fostering developmental partnerships”.
The Vice President assured that Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu “is committed to shaping and fortifying the global framework and governance concerning all major international issues, particularly in the fields of finance, climate change, bridging the digital divide, adopting a comprehensive strategy towards debt alleviation, addressing food and energy insecurities, instituting post-pandemic recovery measures, and fostering financial inclusion within developing countries.”
Stressing the need for a revitalized international cooperation that is effective, representative, and inclusive to tackle the challenges facing the world, Vice President Shettima opined that Nigeria is ready for collaboration and “partnership that guarantees a world governed by acceptable rules and norms.
“We seek partnership that provides opportunities for all to engage in trade, prosperity, and shared progress with no marginalisation based on geography, race and legitimate sovereign affiliations”, he affirmed.
He said “these nations confront historical developmental vulnerabilities and challenges that are beyond their control. Thus, it is imperative for us to unite within regional groups and forge a novel form of international cooperation. This endeavor aims to foster global economic governance reform while enhancing the representation and voice of emerging market economies or developing countries”.
The vice president, while emphasizing partnership as a major key for addressing current global challenges, seeks formidable global partnerships through harnessing the agricultural potential of nations; harnessing renewable energy to revolutionize Africa; fostering technology, innovation, and job prospects for holistic and equitable progress; collaborative efforts on climate change and nature-centered approaches to development;
Others include strengthening vibrant private sector participation among the countries of the global south; nurturing youth employment and skill building as a deterrent against terrorism, organized crime, and related challenges; proactive crisis prevention and heightened resilience as well as promoting proactive involvement of business leadership in shaping an improved and ideal landscape for trade and economic exchanges in the Global South.
Earlier, in his address on the 3rd day of the Summit, the Chair of BRICS and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed the commitment of South Africa to advance the interests of the global south. Also, he announced as part of the outcomes of the Summit to expand its objectives, the admission of six new full members which are Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and United Arab Emirates.
In the delegation of the Vice President to the Summit were Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Mohammed Haruna Mantra, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials.
