Isolationism Wins No Races: Nigeria Backs Global Cooperation at BRICS Summit, Backs WTO
NEW DELHI, India—Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the multilateral trading system, declaring that no nation can prosper in isolation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated the country’s position on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during a high-level meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.
Speaking on the interconnectedness of the modern global economy, Vice President Shettima emphasized that Nigeria will continue to support the WTO in strengthening multilateralism.
“I believe the world is greater than one nation,” Shettima stated. “We will continue to support the WTO in championing the cause of multilateralism. We are essentially one human family and interconnected. You cannot divorce yourself from the global community.”
The Power of Global Migration
During the dialogue, the vice president highlighted migration as a vital driver of innovation, development, and economic growth. He noted that historically, immigrants have been foundational to building major global cities and nations.
Citing a Pew Research Center analysis of 2024 US Census Bureau data revealing that 67 percent of Nigerian-born Black immigrants aged 25 and older in the United States hold at least a bachelor’s degree, Shettima highlighted the academic and professional success of the Nigerian diaspora.
He noted that the figure represents the highest proportion of higher education attainment among all major Black immigrant groups examined in the United States.
Commending Leadership
The Vice President lauded Dr. Okonjo-Iweala for her historic stewardship of the WTO and urged her to keep steering global development.
“You are doing a very wonderful job at the WTO, but you still have a lot to contribute to humanity,” Shettima told her.
Pitching the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda
The BRICS Summit—held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability”—will see Nigeria take center stage again Sunday as Vice President Shettima is scheduled to address alliance leaders to pitch Nigeria’s latest foreign investment and partnership opportunities.
His upcoming address is expected to focus on advocating for a more inclusive international financial and political order.
