Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, delivering the country's national statement for the third consecutive year on Thursday afternoon. According to an updated provisional speakers' schedule, Nigeria is fourth in the afternoon session of the General Debate on September 24. This year's session begins on September 22 and continues through September 28.
Shettima's address is scheduled between 4 pm and 4:30 pm New York time, which is 9 pm and 9:30 pm Nigerian time. The Vice President will participate in high-level meetings on issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and Africa, and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organizations, and development partners on the sidelines of the Assembly.
President Bola Tinubu had initially been scheduled as the eighth speaker on Wednesday morning but directed Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation instead. Tinubu personally addressed the 78th Session of the General Assembly in September 2023, months after assuming office as President. Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th Session in 2024 and the 80th Session in 2025.
The 81st UN General Debate is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. The theme of the session is "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all." The General Assembly brings together all 193 UN Member States, each with equal representation in the organization's principal deliberative and policymaking body.
Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior officials. The Vice President's national statement will outline Nigeria's positions on major international issues, according to Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.
The UN's annual debate provides Heads of State, Heads of Government, and other senior representatives an opportunity to outline national priorities before the international community. This year's high-level week has attracted 73 Heads of State, 45 Heads of Government, 49 ministers, 11 vice-presidents, and one crown prince.
With his appearance, Shettima has represented President Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders in 2024, 2025, and now 2026. The Vice President's participation in the General Assembly demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to global cooperation and dialogue.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement at the 81st UN General Assembly on Thursday.
- The 81st UN General Assembly high-level week has attracted 73 Heads of State and 45 Heads of Government.
- Shettima has represented President Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders in 2024, 2025, and now 2026.
