Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and led Nigeria's delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses. Shettima arrived at the General Assembly Hall with Governors Dauda Lawal, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Siminalayi Fubara, as well as Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The General Debate, themed "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all," opened with 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 listed to speak, it seems that was an error, as he was not in office at that time. The debate was scheduled to run from September 22 to 28.
VP Shettima delivered Nigeria's national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24. The statement outlined the country's position on major global issues and President Tinubu's priorities for reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order.
Before delivering the national statement, VP Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG). There, 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.
Shettima emphasized that Africa's mineral wealth must translate into jobs, industrial growth, and improved living standards for Africans. He urged countries on the continent to strengthen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that diminish the value of their resources.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, VP Shettima made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides, and other members of the Nigerian delegation. He will also participate in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week to advance Nigeria's national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
The Vice President's engagements in New York demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to global cooperation and its priorities for sustainable development, peace, and security. His participation in the UNGA and other events highlights the country's efforts to strengthen its relationships with international partners and promote its national interests.
Key points
- VP Shettima delivered Nigeria's national statement at the UNGA 81st Session, outlining the country's position on major global issues.
- The Vice President called for a new continental push to end Africa's dependence on raw mineral exports and build processing, manufacturing, and value-addition industries.
- Shettima participated in high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week to advance Nigeria's national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
