Vice-President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has unexpectedly returned to the country, cancelling his scheduled attendance at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, due to a technical issue with his aircraft. The announcement came from Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, who noted that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will now represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit.
According to Nkwocha, the vice president was advised by the Presidential Air Fleet to return to Nigeria following the detection of the technical fault. Despite the change in plans, Vice-President Shettima will continue to fulfill other national responsibilities.
The summit, hosted at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, is set to gather political and business leaders from Africa, the United States, and beyond. It will include high-level dialogues, networking opportunities, and plenaries. The event aims to enhance economic ties and explore new investment opportunities between the U.S. and African nations.
Distinguished guests expected at the summit include 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.