Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Federal Government aims to advance the country's national interests and push for reforms of the global governance system. Shettima stated that Nigeria's participation will be guided by its national interest, commitment to multilateralism, and President Tinubu's advocacy for a more representative international system.
Shettima emphasized that Nigeria will engage its international partners from the standpoint of its national interests while supporting reforms that give developing countries, particularly African nations, a stronger voice in global decision-making. He stated, "Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today." The Vice President leads a high-level delegation, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
The Nigerian delegation includes various senior government officials, such as Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The composition of the delegation reflects the administration's intention to combine diplomatic engagements with discussions on economic development, investment, international cooperation, and issues affecting Nigeria and the wider African continent.
During the General Debate, Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's positions on major international issues affecting peace and security, economic growth, sustainable development, and global cooperation. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 at the UN headquarters in New York. Nigeria's address will come against the backdrop of the theme of the 81st UN General Assembly, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
The Vice President's engagements will include high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations, and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly. These meetings are expected to provide opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen existing partnerships and pursue cooperation in areas considered important to its development priorities. Key issues expected to feature prominently include reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access, and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
President Tinubu has consistently called for reforms of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions to make the global system more representative and responsive to present-day realities. The administration has linked its foreign policy engagements to its economic reform programme at home, with officials arguing that Nigeria requires a more responsive international system to advance its development interests. Tinubu has also maintained that African countries should have greater influence in international institutions where decisions affecting their economies and populations are made.
Nigeria is expected to use its engagements to strengthen its case for greater access to technology and investment partnerships, particularly in emerging sectors capable of creating employment and expanding economic opportunities. The administration has consistently presented economic diplomacy as an important component of its foreign policy, seeking to connect Nigeria's international engagements with investment, trade, and development opportunities at home. Shettima will participate in a number of high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with foreign leaders, international organisations, and development partners.
Key points
- Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima leads delegation to 81st UNGA to push national interests and global reforms.
- Nigeria seeks stronger international partnerships in areas capable of supporting investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.
- The administration aims to connect Nigeria's international engagements with investment, trade, and development opportunities at home.
