Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the swearing-in ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara, who begins his fourth term in office on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Senator Shettima is expected to join several African heads of state and international dignitaries at the inauguration, which will take place at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. President Ouattara secured his re-election on October 25, 2025, paving the way for another term at the helm of the West African nation.
Nigeria, which maintains strong diplomatic and economic relations with Côte d’Ivoire, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to supporting constitutional governance and democratic transitions across the sub-region. At the ceremony, Vice President Shettima is expected to reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to the promotion of democratic values, respect for the will of the people, and the supremacy of constitutional processes in West Africa.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire maintain close cooperation through ECOWAS and the African Union, working together on issues including security, trade, agriculture, and digital economy development. Their partnership is further strengthened by a Bi-National Commission and several bilateral agreements, as well as a large Nigerian community resident in Côte d’Ivoire, which plays a key role in boosting commercial and social ties between both countries.
On arrival at the airport in Abidjan, Vice President Shettima was received by Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Mr. Robert Mambe, alongside the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy, Mrs. Item Akpama, and other senior government officials.
The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.
