Nigeria has retained its front-row seat at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, over 60 per cent of countries listed to speak at the UNGA are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers. This is not unusual, Ibrahim noted, as countries often delegate representation to senior government officials when their presidents are unable to attend.
President Tinubu has mandated Vice President Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA, where he will present the country's position on major global issues. Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate, which will focus on pressing global challenges and efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The General Debate, with the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28.
Vice President Shettima will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior government officials. The delegation will participate fully in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session. Ibrahim assured that Nigeria's delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings, despite President Tinubu's absence due to his annual leave in France.
President Tinubu's absence at the UNGA should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented, Ibrahim stressed. He urged Nigerians to view the country's participation within the broader context of diplomatic representation. Nigeria will continue to play its role fully at the General Assembly, Ibrahim noted. The country's participation is crucial, as it pushes for reforms of international institutions to give developing countries, particularly African nations, a stronger voice in global decision-making.
During the UNGA week, Shettima is scheduled to participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action, and other issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and Africa. He will also join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations, and development partners.
The engagements will provide a platform for Nigeria to advance President Tinubu's economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships with other countries and international institutions. Nigeria is expected to use the meetings to strengthen its advocacy for reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, increased access to climate finance, and stronger multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York. The Vice President's participation in the UNGA is a significant development, as Nigeria continues to push for greater access to development financing for African countries and changes to the global financial system to address structural constraints confronting developing economies.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
