Vice President Kashim Shettima, initially slated to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa, faced an unexpected detour due to a technical fault with his aircraft.

Scheduled to convene from May 6 to May 9, 2024, the high-profile summit at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center was set to bring together political and business leaders from Africa, the United States, and beyond for a series of high-level dialogues, networking sessions, and plenaries aimed at fostering economic cooperation and exploring investment opportunities.

However, a statement issued on Monday by Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed that the Vice President’s plans had to be altered due to the unforeseen aircraft malfunction.

The statement explained that Shettima had no choice but to heed the advice of the managers of the Presidential Air Fleet.

As a result of the change in plans, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will now step in to represent President Tinubu at the summit, ensuring Nigeria’s continued participation and engagement in the crucial economic discussions.

“The Vice President will continue with other national duties,” the statement affirmed, highlighting Shettima’s commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities despite the setback.

Notwithstanding the alteration in representation, the US-Africa Business Summit remains a pivotal event, drawing African heads of state such as President Joseph Boakai of Liberia, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, President Joao Lourenço of Angola, President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi of Botswana, President José Maria Neves of Cabo Verde, and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara of Lesotho.

”The US-Africa Business Summit aims to foster economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities between the United States and African countries.”