Shettima to deliver Nigeria’s statement at 80th UNGA Today

Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Wednesday deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima’s address is slated between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. New York time and will focus on multilateralism, UN reforms, climate action, and restructuring of international finance, among other pressing global issues.

At last year’s Assembly, President Tinubu had called for Africa to be allocated permanent seats at the UN Security Council, a proposal now being considered by the world body.

On Tuesday, Shettima attended the Assembly’s opening session, where U.S. President Donald Trump formally welcomed delegates. He also met with the President of Namibia, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who praised Nigeria’s diplomats for their contributions to her country and pledged to visit President Tinubu in Abuja soon. Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Namibia, stressing that both nations must deepen cooperation.

The Vice President also held talks with a delegation from the Gates Foundation led by CEO Mark Suzman, where he expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion while calling for more investment in Nigeria.

“In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in. If all high-net-worth individuals made even half the investment Bill Gates has made, the world would be a better place,” Shettima said, extending President Tinubu’s regards to Gates.

He outlined Nigeria’s economic vision, targeting a minimum of seven percent annual growth in the coming years, anchored on stability, productivity, and investment in infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education.

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, who was part of the Nigerian delegation, appealed for greater Gates Foundation support in education, especially in artificial intelligence and technology. Suzman assured the foundation’s continued investment in human capital development, praising Nigeria as one of its strongest partners in Africa.

The meeting was also attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, alongside senior Gates Foundation officials including Rodger Voorhies, Uche Amaonwu, and Paulin Basinga.