Shettima Arrives in New York to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to 81st UNGA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Shettima’s arrival was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, who said Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering would be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and call for reforms of global institutions.

According to the Vice President, Nigeria will use the gathering to advocate a more representative and equitable international system that reflects current economic and demographic realities.

“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” Shettima said.

He added that Nigeria would engage its partners in line with its national interest while advancing Tinubu’s call for developing countries to have a stronger voice and fairer opportunities to prosper.

Shettima arrived in the company of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials.

The Vice President was received on arrival by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Others at the reception included Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior government and diplomatic officials.

Nkwocha said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities relating to peace and security, development, economic growth and global cooperation.

The Vice President is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

According to the statement, Nigeria will use the engagements to reinforce its positions on reforms of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.

The 81st UNGA session provides Nigeria with an opportunity to engage international partners on issues the government considers central to the country’s interests and broader development priorities.