Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the swearing-in ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara, who begins his fourth term in office on Monday.
The inauguration, scheduled for December 8 at the Presidential Palace, will host African leaders, diplomats and international representatives. Ouattara secured re-election on October 25, extending his leadership of the West African nation.
According to the State House, Shettima’s presence underscores Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and supporting peaceful transitions of power across the region. The Vice President is expected to reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to constitutional governance and regional stability during the event.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire maintain robust bilateral relations, working closely through ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development initiatives. The two countries also collaborate through a Bi-National Commission covering areas such as agriculture, human trafficking prevention, and the digital economy. A sizeable Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire continues to bolster economic and cultural ties.
On arrival, Vice President Shettima was received by Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Robert Mambe, alongside officials from the Nigerian Embassy and the Ivorian government.
He is expected to return to Abuja immediately after the ceremony concludes.
