Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as reported by ChannelsTv. The presidency said Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions on major international issues affecting peace and security, economic growth, development and global cooperation. The 81st UNGA General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is leading a high level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka Anite and other senior government officials. According to the Office of the Vice President, his programme will extend beyond the General Debate to high level meetings and bilateral engagements with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners. Nigeria is expected to use the meetings to advance discussions around reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in international decision making.
The New York engagements come as global leaders gather for discussions spanning geopolitical conflicts, artificial intelligence, climate change, development financing and the future of multilateral institutions. Shettima said on arrival that Nigeria’s participation would be guided by the country’s national interest and commitment to multilateralism, while supporting reforms that make global institutions more representative of contemporary economic and demographic realities. Nigeria is scheduled to deliver its national statement on September 24, with Shettima expected to speak during the afternoon session, according to the provisional speakers’ schedule reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
