Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He is leading Nigeria's delegation to the global gathering, which commenced with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses. The event brought together world leaders to discuss pressing global issues.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying VP Shettima includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers. Other members of the delegation are Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and other senior government officials. They will engage in various high-level discussions and bilateral meetings during the UNGA week.
The General Debate, which will run from September 22 to 28, is being held under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." The debate opened with remarks by UN Secretary-General Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump. VP Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.
In his national statement, VP Shettima will set out Nigeria's position on major global issues and President Tinubu's priorities for reforming international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order. Nigeria's participation in the UNGA aims to advance the country's national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners. The country is expected to play a key role in shaping global policies and decisions.
Prior to the UNGA, VP Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG). He called for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on the export of raw minerals and build processing, manufacturing, and value-addition industries around the continent's critical resources. This move is expected to create jobs, drive industrial growth, and improve living standards for Africans.
During his engagements in New York, VP Shettima made a brief stop at Nigeria House, where he interacted with Nigerians and discussed the country's participation in the UNGA. The Vice President will participate in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week, advancing Nigeria's national interests and strengthening cooperation with international partners. These meetings are expected to yield positive outcomes for the country.
The UNGA provides a platform for countries to engage in dialogue and cooperation on global issues. Nigeria's participation in the event demonstrates its commitment to playing a key role in shaping global policies and decisions. The country's delegation will continue to engage with world leaders and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development, peace, and security.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA81 in New York, advocating for global cooperation and sustainable development.
- The UNGA81 is being held under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
- Nigeria aims to advance its national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners during the UNGA week.
