Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria's engagements at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will prioritize the country's national interest. He made this statement upon arriving in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria's delegation to the high-level UNGA81 meetings. Shettima emphasized Nigeria's commitment to multilateralism while advocating for reforms that make global institutions more representative and responsive.
Shettima's statement reflects Nigeria's desire for a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries in global decision-making. He called for reforms of global institutions, citing the need for them to be more representative and equitable. According to Shettima, Nigeria will engage international partners firmly on issues affecting the country while advancing President Tinubu's call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice.
The Vice President arrived in New York alongside a high-level delegation, including Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials. They were received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia; and other senior government and diplomatic officials.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country's position on major international issues with implications for peace and security, economic development, and international cooperation. He will also participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organizations, and development partners.
Nigeria's priorities at the UNGA include reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access, and stronger African representation in global decision-making. These issues align with President Tinubu's broader call for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
The 81st UNGA marks the third consecutive year that Shettima is representing President Tinubu at the annual gathering of world leaders. He delivered Nigeria's national statement at the 79th UNGA in 2024 and again represented the President at the 80th session in 2025. Tinubu last personally addressed the General Assembly in 2023.
Nigeria is scheduled to deliver its national statement during the afternoon session on Thursday, September 24, with Shettima expected to speak during the country's allotted slot. The Vice President's emphasis on national interest places Nigeria's priorities at the center of the government's diplomatic engagements, while his call for a more representative global system extends Nigeria's position to the wider question of developing countries' participation in international decision-making.
Key points
- Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasizes national interest in engagements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Shettima calls for reforms of global institutions to make them more representative and responsive to present-day realities.
- Nigeria seeks stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries in global decision-making.
