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

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

Shettima said Nigeria’s participation at the global gathering would be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s push for reforms of international institutions.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima said Nigeria would use the UNGA platform to advocate for a more representative and equitable global system.

“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 international partners from the standpoint of national interest while supporting Tinubu’s call for reforms that would give developing countries a stronger voice in global decision-making.

The Vice President arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials.

He 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; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, among other officials.

During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues affecting peace and security, economic development, growth and global cooperation.

He is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral discussions with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The Federal Government said Nigeria would use the engagements to advance its positions on reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and stronger African representation in global decision-making.

The 81st UN General Assembly brings together world leaders and senior government representatives for discussions on major international political, economic, security and development issues.