Vice President Kashim Shettima has been mandated by President Bola Tinubu to lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The event is set to commence tomorrow and will feature a high-level meeting of world leaders. Shettima's delegation includes Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, ministers, and senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." During the debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's stance on major global issues affecting national development, peace, security, economic growth, and international cooperation.
Shettima's itinerary includes participation in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action, and other strategic issues for Nigeria and Africa. He will also attend a traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and engage in bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organizations, and development partners. These engagements aim to advance Tinubu's economic diplomacy and strengthen Nigeria's voice on global financial architecture reform and sustainable development.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Chairman of the North-west Governors' Forum, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, are also in New York to promote their states' interests. Sanwo-Olu has been holding meetings with US states, including California, where he signed bilateral agreements on shared prosperity. Radda will present the North-west Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026-2030 to the international community.
The North-west Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026-2030 provides a regional approach to peace, security, resilience, and development. It will be presented at a side event titled "From Fragility to Opportunity: Locally Led Pathways to Peace, Resilience and Investment in Fragile Contexts." The event will bring together development partners, investors, financial institutions, and private-sector leaders.
Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, has demanded explanations for President Tinubu's third consecutive absence from the UNGA. Atiku described Tinubu as a national security risk, citing concerns about his ability to lead Nigeria effectively.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York. His participation in the UNGA aims to strengthen Nigeria's strategic partnerships and promote the country's interests on the global stage. The Vice President's delegation will seek to advance Nigeria's economic diplomacy and foster cooperation with international organizations and development partners.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA.
- Shettima's delegation includes Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and senior government officials.
- Atiku Abubakar has expressed concerns about President Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, describing him as a national security risk.
