Nigeria pushes for big wins in energy and agriculture as VP Shettima meets WEF President
Nigeria is gearing up for major development breakthroughs, and Vice President Kashim Shettima is actively seeking global partnerships to help make it happen. On Thursday, January 24, 2025, during a key meeting with Børge Brende, the President of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima called for support in two massive initiatives: the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad.
The AAGP project is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious plans, aimed at connecting Nigeria’s energy resources with Morocco and other African countries. Shettima emphasized that the project will not only enhance regional energy security but also strengthen economic growth. “We seek your collaboration in fundamental areas. One is on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, which will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries,” Shettima said.
He highlighted how the ongoing energy crisis in Europe and the growing demand for energy, driven by technologies like artificial intelligence and data mining, create an ideal opportunity for Africa to step in and lead. “We are exploring undersea passage for the pipelines to make it a win-win for everyone,” he noted, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential role as a global energy powerhouse.
On the topic of Lake Chad, Shettima discussed how recharging the lake from the Congo River could solve the region’s water scarcity issues, reduce food insecurity, and generate clean energy. He explained, “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the Sahelian region… We want to use your platform to recharge the Lake Chad.” This initiative, he explained, could transform agriculture in the region and provide significant hydropower to improve the quality of life for millions.
Shettima also shared with the WEF President how the current Nigerian administration, under President Bola Tinubu, is committed to sustained economic growth, with ongoing reforms like subsidy removal, exchange rate alignment, and tax reforms setting the stage for future prosperity. “Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon and we’re now on the path to sustained economic growth,” he affirmed.
The Vice President invited Brende to visit Nigeria and meet with President Tinubu, emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness to host the WEF Africa, which could further boost the continent’s development. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that Nigeria is not just the largest economy in Africa but also the most populous, with projections indicating it will become the world’s most populous nation by the end of the century.
Shettima’s meeting with the WEF President marks a key step in Nigeria’s efforts to engage with global leaders and organizations to address pressing challenges and drive long-term growth.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
January 24, 2025
