Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to 81st UN General Assembly
Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined world leaders at the United Nations headquarters in New York as Nigeria prepares to present its position at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the high-level gathering and is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday, September 24. The General Debate, which began on September 22, brings together leaders and representatives of UN member states to discuss major global challenges under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The United Nations has scheduled the General Debate across September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting on September 28. Shettima arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside the governors of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara. Also accompanying him are the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior officials. The Vice President had earlier attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.
During his address, Shettima is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on issues including reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and the need for a more equitable global economic system. His representation of Tinubu follows the President’s decision to extend his working vacation, with the State House confirming that Shettima would present Nigeria’s national statement at the General Assembly. Before the opening of the UN General Debate, Shettima also represented Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where he called for greater African cooperation in developing the continent’s mineral resources. He argued that Africa should move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead expand processing, manufacturing and other value-added activities to create jobs and support economic development. The Vice President is also expected to hold other high-level and bilateral meetings during the UNGA week as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its engagement with international partners. Nigeria’s participation comes as countries gather in New York to address issues ranging from development and climate action to international peace, security and reforms of the multilateral system.
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