Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November 22–23 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Presidency announced on Friday.
According to a statement from the State House, President Tinubu, who was initially expected to attend, chose to remain in Nigeria to focus on pressing national security concerns, particularly recent incidents in Kebbi and Kwara States, which require his direct oversight and continuous briefings from security agencies.
The Presidency said the decision underscores the administration’s priority on domestic stability and its commitment to responding swiftly to emerging threats, while maintaining Nigeria’s strategic engagement with global partners.
The invitation to President Tinubu was extended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current G20 President.
This year’s summit will bring together leaders of the world’s major economies, the African Union, the European Union, and global financial institutions to deliberate on shared challenges, development financing, and ways to strengthen international cooperation.
By attending on the President’s behalf, Vice President Shettima is expected to ensure Nigeria’s voice is strongly represented, particularly on issues affecting developing countries and Africa’s economic future.
He is scheduled to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the summit.
