Spread nuts on rimmed baking sheet and toast until fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes; set aside. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder, salt and cut in shortening. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of walnuts.
Add egg, milk, vanilla, and mix just until blended. Stir in dried figs until combined. Turn into greased and floured loaf pan. Sprinkle remaining walnuts on top. Bake, at 350* for 60 to 70 minutes. Then turn onto a rack to cool.