Vice-President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday, September 24, during the afternoon session of the General Debate. According to the updated provisional speakers' schedule, Nigeria is placed fourth in the session, which begins at 3 pm New York time. Shettima is expected to address the assembly between 4 pm and 4:30 pm, corresponding to 9 pm and 9:30 pm Nigerian time.
This will be the third consecutive year that Shettima has represented Tinubu at the UN General Debate. In 2023, Tinubu personally addressed the 78th General Assembly, shortly after assuming office. However, due to a directive from the President on Sunday, Shettima will now lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st session of the General Assembly. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President, stated that Shettima would use the national statement to present Nigeria's positions on major international issues.
Shettima will lead a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior government officials. The Vice-President is expected to participate in high-level meetings on issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa. He will also hold bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations, and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The 81st UN General Debate opens on Tuesday, September 22, and runs through Saturday before concluding on Monday, September 28. The session is being held under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all." This high-level week brings together representatives of the 193 UN member states, with Shettima joining heads of state, heads of government, and other senior officials for the annual diplomatic gathering in New York.
President Tinubu was initially scheduled as the eighth speaker in the Wednesday morning session. However, his position was moved from 10th to eighth before he directed Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the General Assembly. Shettima's participation in the General Debate is seen as a significant event, given the importance of the UN General Assembly in global diplomacy.
The UN General Assembly is an annual event that provides a platform for world leaders to discuss pressing global issues. This year's session is expected to focus on major international issues, including sustainable development, climate change, and global security. Nigeria's participation in the General Assembly is crucial, given its role as a key player in African and global affairs.
Shettima's address to the assembly is expected to highlight Nigeria's positions on these major international issues. His participation in high-level meetings and bilateral discussions will also provide opportunities for Nigeria to engage with other countries and international organisations on issues of mutual interest. The outcome of the General Assembly is expected to have a significant impact on global affairs, and Nigeria's participation is seen as a critical component of its foreign policy.
Key points
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima to deliver Nigeria's national statement at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.
- Shettima to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
- The 81st UN General Debate to focus on "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all."
