Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA. He is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria's delegation to the global gathering. Shettima attended a welcome breakfast hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24. The Vice President arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Other members of Nigeria's delegation include the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The General Debate, which is holding from September 22 to 28, is themed "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." The session opened with remarks by Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Shettima's address on Thursday is expected to set out Nigeria's position on major global issues.
Shettima's address will also highlight President Tinubu's priorities on reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order. On his way from the United Nations Headquarters, Shettima made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York, accompanied by governors, ministers, and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
Earlier, the Vice President represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG. At the event, Shettima called for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on the export of raw minerals and develop processing, manufacturing, and value-addition industries around the continent's critical resources.
Shettima emphasized that Africa's mineral wealth must translate into jobs, industrial growth, and improved living standards for Africans. He urged countries on the continent to strengthen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that diminish the value of their resources. The Vice President is also scheduled to participate in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week.
As Nigeria advances its national interests and strengthens cooperation with international partners, Shettima's participation in the UNGA is expected to promote the country's position on global issues. The Vice President's engagements will also provide opportunities for Nigeria to build relationships with other countries and international organizations.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima to deliver Nigeria's national statement at the UNGA on Thursday, September 24.
- Shettima to highlight President Tinubu's priorities on reform of international institutions, sustainable development, and climate action.
- The Vice President calls for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on raw mineral exports and develop value-addition industries.
