Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Freetown, Sierra Leone, to represent Nigeria at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The high-level regional summit is expected to tackle pressing issues of peace, security, economic integration, and democratic governance across West Africa.
The trip comes days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally presented Shettima with the APC certificate confirming him as the party’s vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. It also follows a period of intense diplomatic activity for the Vice President, who has become a familiar face representing Nigeria at major continental engagements.
Representing Nigeria At A Critical Regional Moment
ECOWAS leaders are converging in Freetown amid mounting challenges in the sub-region, ranging from political transitions to economic pressures and security threats. While President Tinubu remains in Nigeria, Shettima’s mandate is to articulate Nigeria’s position and advance the country’s interests on regional integration and stability.
This is not the first time the Vice President has stood in for the President at an ECOWAS gathering. At the 68th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, Shettima welcomed fellow heads of state on behalf of President Tinubu and joined deliberations on the future of the bloc. That summit, chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs ECOWAS, brought together leaders including Presidents Patrice Talon of Benin, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, John Mahama of Ghana, Bassirou Faye of Senegal, and Joseph Boakai of Liberia.
The 69th session in Sierra Leone is therefore a continuation of that dialogue, with leaders expected to review progress on previous decisions and set new priorities for the community of 15 member states.
What’s On The Agenda
Although the full agenda for the Freetown summit has not been publicly released, ECOWAS sessions typically focus on four core areas: peace and security, economic cooperation, democratic governance, and institutional reform.
Recent ECOWAS meetings have given special attention to political transitions and the future of the bloc, including debates on regional solidarity and integration. With the sub-region still navigating the effects of recent coups, election cycles, and economic headwinds, discussions in Freetown are expected to center on strengthening democratic norms, enhancing trade under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, and deepening cooperation on counter-terrorism and border security.
The Vice President is also expected to engage other leaders on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and investment opportunities, a role he has played in previous international outings. During engagements at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, Shettima met with global leaders and investors to highlight Nigeria’s reforms and Africa’s role in shaping an inclusive global future. Similar diplomatic outreach is anticipated on the sidelines in Sierra Leone.
Shettima’s Growing Diplomatic Footprint
Since assuming office, Vice President Shettima has led Nigerian delegations to several high-profile international events. He represented Nigeria at the 68th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja, attended the AU-EU Summit in Angola, and traveled to Davos for the World Economic Forum themed “A Spirit of Dialogue”.
He has also represented President Tinubu at presidential inaugurations across the continent, including in Abidjan for President Alassane Ouattara’s fourth term, and in Guinea. In each instance, his brief has included deepening Nigeria’s bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation, and reinforcing strategic partnerships.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, has consistently noted that Shettima’s engagements aim to position Nigeria as a central player in regional and global discussions on development, security, and technology.
Why The 69th Summit Matters
ECOWAS remains the primary vehicle for regional integration in West Africa, and this summit comes at a time when member states are reassessing how to deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Key issues likely to feature include:
Regional Security: Coordinating responses to terrorism, violent extremism, and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Economic Integration: Accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS Single Currency roadmap and the African Continental Free Trade Area protocols.
Democratic Consolidation: Supporting credible elections and constitutional governance across the region.
Institutional Strengthening: Reforming ECOWAS institutions to be more responsive and effective.
As host of the previous summit in Abuja, Nigeria under President Tinubu has played a leading role in shaping the bloc’s direction. Shettima’s presence in Freetown signals continuity in that leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral solutions.
The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja at the conclusion of the summit’s engagements. His participation underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on active diplomacy as a tool for regional stability and economic growth.
With West Africa at a crossroads, the decisions taken in Sierra Leone will have direct implications for Nigeria’s security architecture, trade routes, and diplomatic standing. All eyes will be on Freetown as ECOWAS leaders seek to chart a more resilient path forward for the region.
