Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara for his fourth term in office.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan and will be attended by several African leaders and international dignitaries.
President Ouattara secured re-election on October 25, 2025, earning another mandate to steer the West African nation.
His upcoming inauguration underscores the continued stability of Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic process and its strong ties with Nigeria.
According to the State House, Vice President Shettima’s presence at the ceremony reaffirms Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to supporting constitutional governance and democratic principles across West Africa.
Nigeria has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting the will of the people and ensuring peaceful leadership transitions within the region.
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire maintain close cooperation through ECOWAS, the African Union, and a Bi-National Commission, with joint efforts spanning security, trade, agriculture, human trafficking prevention, and the digital economy.
The sizeable Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire also contributes to deepening economic and socio-cultural ties.
On arrival in Abidjan, Shettima was received by Côte d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Robert Mambe; Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mrs. Item Akpama; and other senior government officials.
The Vice President is expected to return to Abuja after the conclusion of the inauguration ceremony.
Bello Wakili
