Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-level session, where world leaders and senior government officials will discuss pressing international issues. Shettima stated that Nigeria's participation will be guided by the country's national interest. The Vice President emphasized Nigeria's commitment to multilateralism while advocating for reforms to make global institutions more representative.
Shettima highlighted that Nigeria's position at the UNGA will reflect the Tinubu administration's commitment to advancing the country's interests while strengthening cooperation with other nations. He mentioned that Nigeria will engage its international partners from the standpoint of national interest while promoting the President's call for reforms to the global system. The Vice President added that Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but global institutions must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to present-day realities.
The Vice President's participation is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present its positions on issues affecting developing countries, particularly Africa, within the international system. At the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's positions on international issues with implications for peace and security, sustainable development, economic growth, and global cooperation. This will enable Nigeria to convey its perspectives on key global challenges.
Shettima arrived alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials. He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Other officials who received the Vice President included Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President is scheduled to participate in a series of high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations, and development partners. These engagements will focus on issues of direct importance to Nigeria and other developing countries, including reforms to the international financial architecture, sustainable development, and access to climate finance. Nigeria will also reinforce its position on improved access to technology and stronger African representation in global decision-making structures.
The Tinubu administration has continued to advocate reforms of international institutions, arguing that existing global structures should better reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities. The Vice President's participation at the 81st UNGA provides an avenue for Nigeria to engage directly with international partners on matters affecting the country's economic interests, development priorities, and role in global affairs. This aligns with Nigeria's efforts to promote its national interests and contribute to global discussions.
Shettima's attendance follows Tinubu's decision to send him as the head of Nigeria's delegation to the General Assembly. The Vice President's engagement at the UNGA is expected to strengthen Nigeria's relationships with international partners and promote the country's positions on key global issues. Key issues to be addressed include global economic reforms, climate finance, and sustainable development.
Key points
- Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima leads the country's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Shettima advocates for reforms to make global institutions more representative and responsive to present-day realities.
- Nigeria pushes for stronger voice in global decision-making structures and improved access to climate finance.
