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Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for closer collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to promote economic development in Nigeria and across Africa. During a meeting with WEF President Børge Brende on the sidelines of the annual WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima emphasized two key initiatives: the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad.
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s position as a key player in the development of the AAGP, which would connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African nations. The pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Nigeria to North Africa and Europe, is expected to enhance energy security and stimulate economic growth. He noted that the geopolitical challenges in Europe, including Russia’s gas issues, and the rising global demand for energy driven by artificial intelligence, present a major opportunity for Nigeria. Shettima also discussed the possibility of undersea pipeline routes to make the project beneficial for all involved.
“Gas is a key opportunity for Nigeria to generate wealth for its people and create jobs,” Shettima stated. “Our country is more of a gas nation than an oil nation, and we are determined to harness every opportunity for economic growth.”
The Vice President also focused on the recharging of Lake Chad, stressing its importance for addressing the food security crisis and combating terrorism in the Sahel region. He noted that the lake’s shrinkage from 25,000 sq. km to just 2,000 sq. km has had a devastating impact on the region. Shettima proposed a plan to recharge the lake using water from the Congo River basin, which would improve agricultural productivity and generate clean energy, including significant hydropower.
“This initiative will not only address food security but also contribute to regional stability,” he said. “We are committed to restoring Lake Chad and transforming the agricultural landscape of the region.”
Shettima also updated the WEF President on the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He pointed to significant steps such as the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate alignment, and tax reforms as key measures driving the country toward sustained economic growth. He invited the WEF President to visit Nigeria and meet with President Tinubu to discuss further collaboration.
With a population of 250 million, Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Shettima noted. By 2050, Nigeria is projected to become the third most populous nation in the world, surpassing the United States.
“Nigeria is central to Africa’s future, and we are eager to work with the WEF to shape that future,” he added.
