The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which opened on September 8, 2026, is being held under the theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." This high-level talk brings together world leaders and representatives of member states to deliberate on major global challenges and priorities. Nigeria's delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, includes Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
According to the Kebbi State Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, at a briefing on Nigeria's participation, meetings, and commitments during the General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and her team outlined the country's engagements at the session. The programme of the 81st General Assembly places emphasis on issues including sustainable development, climate action, peace and security, human rights, technological transformation, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
Vice President Shettima, who is representing President Tinubu at the global conference, is expected to present Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Governor Nasir Idris's participation provides an opportunity for Kebbi State to engage with global leaders, development partners, investors, and international organisations, with particular attention to attracting investment and strengthening partnerships that can contribute to the state's development.
The Governor's engagements will also focus on presenting Kebbi State's development priorities and exploring opportunities for collaboration in key areas, including security, economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable development. As part of the activities surrounding the high-level deliberations, the delegation is also expected to participate in discussions and engagements focused on peace, security, sustainable development, and investment.
Other engagements associated with the programme include the SDG Roundtable Discussion 2026, the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, the African-Caribbean High-Level Interactive Dialogue: Redefining Influence, Accelerating Action, and the Nigeria Investment Forum. The participation of state governors and other Nigerian officials in the UNGA engagements forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria's engagement with international partners and advance opportunities for investment, development cooperation, and strategic partnerships.
Several other state governors and ministers attended the briefing, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State; Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State. Others in attendance include the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.
The inclusion of state governors in Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA highlights the country's efforts to ensure that its global engagements are not limited to federal government officials, but also involve state-level stakeholders who play critical roles in implementing national development priorities. This participation is expected to enhance Nigeria's ability to leverage international partnerships for sustainable development and address pressing global challenges.
Key points
- Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State is participating in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to engage with global leaders and attract investment for his state.
- The 81st Session of the UNGA is being held under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All" and focuses on issues such as sustainable development and climate action.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the UNGA and is expected to present Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate.
