On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He represented President Bola Tinubu and attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses. The event marked the beginning of the General Debate, which will run from 22 to 28 September.
The Nigerian delegation included Governors Dauda Lawal, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Siminalayi Fubara, as well as Minister of Defence Christopher Musa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, and other senior government officials were also in attendance. The General Debate's theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all," sets the tone for discussions on global cooperation and sustainable development.
The opening session featured remarks by UN Secretary-General Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Although US President Donald Trump was initially scheduled to speak, it is unclear if he attended. VP Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday, 24 September, outlining the country's position on major global issues and President Tinubu's priorities for reform.
VP Shettima's national statement will cover Nigeria's stance on reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order. The vice president emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond exporting raw minerals and build processing, manufacturing, and value-addition industries. He urged countries on the continent to strengthen cooperation to maximize the value of their resources.
On the sidelines of 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 raw mineral exports and promote industrial growth and job creation. The vice president's engagements in New York aim to advance Nigeria's national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
During his visit to New York, VP Shettima and the Nigerian delegation made a brief stop at Nigeria House. The vice president's participation in high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week will focus on promoting Nigeria's interests and fostering global cooperation. According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, the vice president's engagements are crucial to Nigeria's diplomatic efforts.
The UNGA 81 opening marks a significant milestone in global diplomacy, with world leaders converging to address pressing international issues. VP Shettima's representation of Nigeria underscores the country's commitment to active participation in global affairs. As the General Debate continues, Nigeria's delegation will engage with international partners to promote sustainable development, peace, and cooperation.
Key points
- VP Shettima delivers Nigeria's national statement at UNGA 81 on 24 September.
- Nigeria's delegation to UNGA 81 includes governors, ministers, and senior government officials.
- VP Shettima advocates for Africa's mineral wealth to translate into jobs and industrial growth.
