Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on a state visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote collaboration in environmental sustainability and industrial development.

 

A statement released on Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), revealed that Shettima will take part in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme. The ambitious initiative targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over four years to combat deforestation, restore biodiversity, and mitigate climate change.

 

“The Vice President’s participation in the Green Legacy Programme underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional climate action and sustainable environmental practices,” the statement emphasized.

 

During his visit, Shettima will also tour several key industrial and agricultural sites that have contributed significantly to Ethiopia’s development in food production and agro-processing. These include the Adama Industrial Zone, Mojo Poultry Farm, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Lume Avocado Nursery Site, and the Bishoftu Pea Youth Farm.

 

As part of the diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will host a State Dinner in honour of Vice President Shettima at the National Palace. The dinner will serve to reaffirm the cordial ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia, rooted in shared military, peacekeeping, and regional economic cooperation.

 

The visit is expected to bolster ongoing dialogue between the two nations, especially in areas of mutual interest within the African Union and other international platforms. It will also pave the way for deeper collaboration in investment, technology exchange, and climate-smart agriculture.

 

Senator Shettima is joined on the trip by a delegation of senior government officials and technical experts from key ministries and agencies.