Nigeria has downgraded its diplomatic presence at the ongoing Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, sending Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, to lead the nation’s delegation.
The decision comes despite initial announcements by Nigeria’s ambassador to Russia that Vice President, Kashim Shettima, would lead the delegation.
With neither President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, nor Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in attendance, Nigeria stands out among major African nations represented by heads of state or government.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the last-minute change to scheduling conflicts, confirming that Enikanolaiye was dispatched to represent the country.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin used the summit’s opening address to call for stronger economic and defense ties with Africa, criticizing Western nations for exploitation while positioning Russia as a key partner in a emerging multipolar world.
