Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States. He represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, departing Abuja on September 20. During his visit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu's National Statement at the General Debate. The statement emphasized Nigeria's call for reform of the UN Security Council.
Shettima's address at the General Debate highlighted Nigeria's demands for permanent African representation, fairer global financing, stronger climate support, and deeper multilateral cooperation. This aligns with President Tinubu's push for a more representative and equitable global order. The Vice President also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. There, President Tinubu urged African countries to move beyond raw mineral exports.
The Vice President attended a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy. At the event, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to education as a critical investment in productivity, human capital, and national prosperity. He also supported the Global Partnership for Education's $5 billion financing campaign. This campaign aims to improve education financing and outcomes globally.
Shettima met with Nigerians in the Diaspora during his visit, stressing the importance of their investment, expertise, and networks to national development. The Vice President encouraged them to contribute to Nigeria's growth and development. This engagement reflects the government's efforts to leverage the skills and resources of Nigerians abroad.
The Vice President had several high-level meetings during his visit, including with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. These meetings provided opportunities for Shettima to advance Nigeria's positions on key issues. The discussions covered development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace, and security.
Across his engagements, Shettima promoted Nigeria's interests and reaffirmed President Tinubu's call for a more representative and equitable global order. The Vice President's participation in the UNGA demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to global cooperation and diplomacy. His attendance also underscores the country's efforts to contribute to international decision-making processes.
The Vice President's visit to the UNGA has concluded, and he has returned to Nigeria. His engagements in New York have helped to promote Nigeria's positions on various global issues. The outcomes of these meetings will likely shape Nigeria's future diplomatic efforts and international partnerships.
Key points
- Shettima delivered President Tinubu's National Statement at the UNGA General Debate
- The Vice President supported the Global Partnership for Education's $5 billion financing campaign
- Shettima met with Nigerians in the Diaspora to encourage their investment and contributions to national development
