Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Shettima led Nigeria's delegation to the annual international gathering, departing Abuja on September 20. During his visit, he engaged in several high-level meetings and events, promoting Nigeria's interests and positions on global issues. The Vice President's participation in the UNGA was seen as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to contribute to international discourse.
Shettima delivered President Tinubu's national statement during 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. This aligns with Nigeria's long-standing position on the need for a more representative and equitable global order. The Vice President's address highlighted Nigeria's commitment to global cooperation and development.
In addition to his participation in the General Debate, Shettima attended the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. At this event, President Tinubu called on African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on processing, manufacturing, and adding value. This call is part of a broader effort to promote economic diversification and sustainable development in Africa. The Vice President's attendance at this event underscored Nigeria's commitment to regional economic cooperation and development.
Shettima also participated in an education financing event jointly hosted by Nigeria and Italy. At this event, he reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to education as a critical investment in productivity, human capital, and national prosperity. The Vice President supported the Global Partnership for Education's $5 billion financing campaign, highlighting the importance of education in driving development. This event provided a platform for Nigeria to engage with international partners on education financing and policy.
During his visit, Shettima met with Nigerians living abroad, emphasizing the role of their investments, expertise, and networks in supporting Nigeria's development. The Vice President's engagement with the diaspora community is seen as an effort to foster stronger ties between Nigeria and its citizens abroad. He also met with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, promoting Nigeria's positions on development financing, regional integration, and economic cooperation.
The Vice President's meetings with international leaders and organizations provided a platform for Nigeria to promote its interests and positions on global issues. Shettima used these opportunities to restate President Tinubu's call for a more representative and equitable global order. The Vice President's participation in the UNGA and other events has been seen as a significant success for Nigeria, demonstrating its commitment to global cooperation and development.
Upon his return to Nigeria, the Vice President's engagements at the UNGA were seen as a positive step towards promoting Nigeria's interests and contributing to international discourse. The Vice President's participation in high-level meetings and events has provided a platform for Nigeria to engage with international partners and promote its positions on global issues. His return to Nigeria marks the end of a successful visit to the United States for the UNGA.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Shettima delivered President Tinubu's national statement during the General Debate, emphasizing Nigeria's call for UN Security Council reform.
- The Vice President participated in several high-level meetings and events, promoting Nigeria's interests and positions on global issues.
