Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders, following his departure from Abuja on September 20 on the President's mandate. His return comes amid continued public attention over Tinubu's prolonged absence from Nigeria.
The President left the country on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe and later extended his stay in France. A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, said Shettima's assignment at the United Nations allowed Nigeria to present its position on several international issues, including reform of the UN Security Council, development financing, climate support, regional integration, and global economic cooperation.
During the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly, Shettima delivered Tinubu's national statement, in which Nigeria renewed its demand for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. Nigeria also pushed for reforms that would provide fairer access to global financing, stronger support for climate-related initiatives, and deeper cooperation among countries.
Shettima further represented Nigeria at discussions on Africa's mineral resources, where Tinubu's position was presented on the need for African countries to move away from exporting raw minerals and instead develop local processing, manufacturing, and value-added industries. He also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, reaffirming the Federal Government's position that investment in education was essential to improving productivity, developing human capital, and strengthening Nigeria's long-term economic prospects.
The Vice President also met with Nigerians living abroad and discussed the role of the diaspora in national development, highlighting the importance of their investments, professional expertise, and international networks to Nigeria's growth. Shettima held meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, advancing Nigeria's interests on development financing, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security, and regional integration.
The Presidency has dismissed concerns about Tinubu's absence, saying the President remains involved in the running of the country despite being outside Nigeria. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu was "hale and hearty" and entitled to take a working vacation, adding that modern communication technology allowed him to remain in contact with government officials.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, through Lagos, and will take part in official activities linked to Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary on October 1 before returning to Abuja. He will also attend the premiere of a movie commemorating the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola during the Independence Day period.
Key points
- The Presidency assures Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is "hale and hearty" and expected to return to the country soon.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, advancing Nigeria's interests on several international issues.
- Tinubu's working vacation, which began on August 30, was extended, and he is expected to return to Nigeria on September 29.
