Vice-President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for an official state visit to Ethiopia, marking a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the East African nation across multiple sectors.
The high-level visit comes at the personal invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and represents a strategic move to enhance bilateral relations between the two African powerhouses. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, confirmed the departure in an official statement on Thursday.
A key highlight of the visit will be Shettima’s participation in the official launch of Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Programme, a comprehensive environmental initiative designed to address deforestation and combat climate change effects. The program represents one of Africa’s most extensive reforestation efforts, targeting the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period while focusing on biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience.
The Vice President’s itinerary includes extensive tours of Ethiopia’s key industrial and agricultural installations, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to economic development and food security. Shettima is scheduled to visit the Adama Industrial Zone, demonstrating interest in Ethiopia’s manufacturing capabilities and potential areas for Nigerian investment and collaboration.
Agricultural cooperation will feature prominently during the visit, with planned tours of the Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and the Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm. These visits align with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, particularly in agribusiness development where both countries see significant potential for mutual benefit.
The diplomatic engagement will culminate in a State Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the National Palace in Addis Abuja. The formal dinner underscores the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations and provides a platform for high-level discussions on regional and continental issues.
Nigeria and Ethiopia maintain a robust partnership built on decades of diplomatic cooperation, including collaboration in military affairs, regional peacekeeping operations, and economic partnerships. This visit is expected to further strengthen these ties while opening new avenues for cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
