Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where he is set to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara, who begins his fourth term in office.
Shettima touched down in the Ivorian capital on Sunday and was received by Prime Minister Robert Mambe, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy, Mrs Item Akpama, and other top government officials.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 8 December 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, and will draw African leaders and international dignitaries. Ouattara secured re-election on 25 October 2025, extending his leadership of the West African nation, which continues to maintain close diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
Officials say Shettima’s presence reaffirms Nigeria’s stance on respecting the will of the people and backing peaceful, democratic transitions of power.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire share a longstanding partnership, working together through ECOWAS and the African Union on regional security, trade, and development initiatives. Both nations collaborate under a Bi-National Commission that covers joint efforts in agriculture, digital economy expansion, and combating human trafficking. A sizeable Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire also contributes to deepening business and cultural ties.
Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Abuja after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremonies.
