Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, stability, and regional cooperation across West Africa during the inauguration of Côte d’Ivoire’s President, Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the ceremony, Shettima congratulated Ouattara on his new mandate and expressed confidence in his leadership, assuring that Nigeria would continue to deepen strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening regional security and shared prosperity.

He said Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are set to expand economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture and trade, to boost regional integration and economic growth.

The event, held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, was attended by several West African leaders, international dignitaries, and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. The United States delegation was led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg.

In his remarks, President Ouattara thanked visiting leaders and pledged to prioritise the wellbeing of Ivoirians while strengthening diplomatic ties to achieve mutual benefits.

On the sidelines of the inauguration, the World Bank commended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda and pledged to expand its partnership with Nigeria. In talks with Shettima, the World Bank’s Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, committed to supporting efforts to connect about four million people to electricity and promote girl-child education.

Shettima said Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms are beginning to deliver positive outcomes and explained that the Federal Government is driving investments in the digital economy, agriculture, and gender empowerment to turn Nigeria’s population growth into economic opportunities. He also praised the World Bank for its continued support.