Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, is set to depart Abuja on Saturday, July 12, 2025, for São Tomé, the capital of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe.
He will be representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the country’s 50th National Independence Day celebration.
This development was confirmed through an official statement issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President). The Vice President’s presence underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with countries across the continent.
During the visit, Senator Shettima will join several African and international dignitaries at the grand finale of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, commemorating five decades of the island nation’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
The event is expected to be marked by a colourful display of national pride, featuring military parades, cultural exhibitions, traditional dances, and official speeches. These activities will highlight São Tomé and Príncipe’s historical journey, cultural richness, and aspirations for unity and progress.
Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe have long enjoyed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship, particularly in the area of joint maritime resource management.
This collaboration is embodied in the Nigeria–São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Development Authority (NSTPJDA), which oversees the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea. The JDZ arrangement serves as a symbol of peaceful cooperation and shared economic interests between the two countries.
In addition to energy partnerships, Nigeria has consistently extended support to São Tomé and Príncipe through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and humanitarian aid.
Notably, Nigeria played a supportive role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical supplies and logistical support to aid the country’s public health response.
Following the conclusion of the independence day festivities and related diplomatic engagements, Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria.