President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The UNGA’s high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Vice President Shettima will head a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials. Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining Nigeria’s position and priorities on major international issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President is also expected to participate in several high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the right to development and climate action. These meetings will include discussions on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development on September 23 and climate action and the just transition.
Shettima will also join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly. These engagements will provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance the administration’s economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen the country’s position on reforms to the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation. This aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to promote its economic interests and cooperation with the international community.
According to a statement issued by Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President’s address would highlight Nigeria’s priorities and positions on key international issues. The address is expected to contribute to the global dialogue on pressing issues affecting national development and international cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York. The Vice President’s trip to the UNGA demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to active participation in global affairs and its engagement with the international community on key issues affecting the country and the world at large.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu mandates Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.
- Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s position on major international issues.
- The Vice President will participate in high-level meetings on the right to development and climate action during the UNGA week.
