Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration and swearing‑in ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara for a new term as head of state of Côte d’Ivoire. The event, held at the Presidential Palace, brought together West African leaders and international dignitaries, including the presidents of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola, Ghana and former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as well as a United States delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima conveyed warm congratulations to President Ouattara and expressed confidence in his continued leadership. “We wish President Ouattara success in his new mandate and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the strong partnership between our two nations,” Shettima said. He added that Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire will further strengthen economic ties through agriculture and trade, and work together to advance peace, stability, security and prosperity across West Africa.
In a separate engagement on the sidelines of the inauguration, the World Bank praised the reform policies of President Tinubu’s administration and pledged heightened partnership with Nigeria in energy, job creation and gender empowerment. Vice President Shettima met with World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde, and told her that the Tinubu government had “crossed the Rubicon” with its tax reforms, noting that while the reforms were initially painful, they are beginning to yield dividends.
Ms. Bjerde responded, “First, on energy, we’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected.” She also said the World Bank would support the upliftment and education of the girl‑child in Nigeria.
The Vice President highlighted that the administration is focusing on gender empowerment, investments in the digital economy and agriculture to turn Nigeria’s demographic bulge into a demographic dividend. He commended the World Bank team for its continued support to Nigeria.
The inauguration ceremony saw President Ouattara take the oath of office, pledging national reconciliation and economic stability for his new term. The Nigerian delegation’s participation underscores Nigeria’s dedication to regional peace and collaborative development across West Africa.
The press release was issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, on 8 December 2025.
