Vice-President Kashim Shettima returned to Abuja on Monday morning after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He had departed Abuja on September 20, 2026, to lead Nigeria's delegation to the annual global event. During his visit, Shettima engaged in various high-level meetings and events, advancing Nigeria's positions on key global issues. His return to Abuja marks the end of a busy diplomatic engagement in the United States. The vice-president's delegation included several high-ranking officials. Shettima's visit demonstrated Nigeria's active participation in global affairs. The UNGA 81 took place from September 13 to 27, 2026.
Shettima delivered President Tinubu's National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria reiterated its call for reform of the UN Security Council. The statement emphasized the need for permanent African representation, fairer global financing, stronger climate support, and deeper multilateral cooperation. Nigeria's position reflects its commitment to a more representative and equitable global order. The vice-president's address highlighted the country's concerns about the current global architecture. He stressed the importance of reforming the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive. This call for reform aligns with Nigeria's long-standing position on global governance.
Shettima also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. At this event, President Tinubu urged African countries to move beyond raw mineral exports towards processing, manufacturing, and value addition. The vice-president's participation underscored Nigeria's commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. He emphasized the need for African countries to harness their mineral resources for economic growth. This approach aligns with Nigeria's efforts to develop its mining sector. The Africa Minerals Strategy Group aims to promote sustainable mineral development in Africa.
The vice-president attended a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy. At this event, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to education as a critical investment in productivity, human capital, and national prosperity. He supported the Global Partnership for Education's $5 billion financing campaign. This initiative aims to improve access to quality education globally. Nigeria's support for the campaign reflects its recognition of education's role in national development. The event brought together world leaders to discuss education financing. Shettima's participation highlighted Nigeria's commitment to education.
Shettima met with Nigerians in the Diaspora, stressing the importance of their investment, expertise, and networks to national development. The vice-president encouraged Nigerians abroad to contribute to the country's growth and development. He acknowledged the significant role that diaspora communities can play in supporting national development initiatives. This engagement reflects Nigeria's efforts to harness the potential of its diaspora community. The meeting provided a platform for Nigerians in the Diaspora to share their experiences and ideas. Shettima's interaction with the diaspora community was seen as a positive step.
The vice-president had several other major engagements, including meetings with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed. These meetings provided opportunities for Shettima to discuss regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace, and security. He advanced Nigeria's positions on these critical issues. The meetings with ECOWAS and UN officials reflected Nigeria's commitment to regional and global cooperation. Shettima's discussions with these leaders aimed to strengthen partnerships and promote cooperation.
Across the meetings, Shettima advanced Nigeria's positions on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace, and security. He reaffirmed President Tinubu's call for a more representative and equitable global order. The vice-president's engagements at the UNGA 81 demonstrated Nigeria's active participation in global affairs. His visit to New York achieved significant diplomatic outcomes. Shettima's return to Abuja marks the end of a successful diplomatic mission. The vice-president's efforts will contribute to Nigeria's continued engagement in global affairs.
Key points
- Shettima delivered President Tinubu's National Statement at the General Debate, calling for UN Security Council reform.
- The vice-president participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, promoting economic diversification.
- Shettima supported the Global Partnership for Education's $5 billion financing campaign.
