Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria's participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will be guided by the country's national interest. He made this statement upon arrival in New York, United States, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the leader of Nigeria's delegation. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria's engagement at the global forum will also prioritize commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu's advocacy for reforms of global institutions.
Shettima was received by Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumemegwu Ojukwu, ministers, and other Nigerian officials. He highlighted that Nigeria's message at the UNGA is clear: the country believes in multilateralism, but global institutions must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to contemporary realities. Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday, outlining the country's positions on major international issues.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Shettima's address will take place during the afternoon session of the General Debate on September 24. This will mark the third consecutive year that Shettima has represented President Tinubu in the General Debate, having previously spoken at the 79th and 80th Sessions. President Tinubu personally addressed the 78th Session in September 2023.
Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior officials. In addition to delivering Nigeria's national statement, he is expected to participate in high-level meetings on issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and Africa. These meetings will focus on key concerns and priorities for the continent.
The Vice-President will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organizations, and development partners on the sidelines of the Assembly. The 81st UN General Debate, which opens on September 22, provides Heads of State, Heads of Government, and other senior representatives an opportunity to outline national priorities before the international community.
The theme of the 81st Session is "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all." The session is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. The General Assembly brings together all 193 UN Member States, each with equal representation in the organization's principal deliberative and policymaking body.
The UNGA session will conclude on September 28, having provided a platform for world leaders to engage in dialogue and address pressing global challenges. Shettima's participation in the Assembly reflects Nigeria's commitment to active engagement in international affairs and cooperation with the global community.
Key points
- Nigeria's engagements at the 81st UNGA will prioritize national interest, multilateralism, and global reforms.
- Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday, outlining the country's positions on major international issues.
- The 81st UN General Debate takes place from September 22 to 28, with the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all."
