VP Shettima Joins Global Leaders at UNGA 81, Set to Unveil Nigeria's Stance

Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, participating in the commencement of the General Debate for the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. Representing President Bola Tinubu and at the helm of Nigeria's delegation, Shettima is slated to present the country's national address to the General Assembly this Thursday, September 24. This development was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.

Prior to the main proceedings, the Vice President was present at a welcoming breakfast reception hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, an event for delegation heads and their partners. VP Shettima made his entrance into the General Assembly Hall accompanied by three state governors: Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

Other prominent members of the Nigerian contingent include Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), the Minister of Defence; Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN; alongside other high-ranking government functionaries.

Operating under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” the General Debate is scheduled from September 22 to 28. It commenced with opening remarks from Secretary-General Guterres, followed by speeches from various global leaders, notably Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump.

The official statement highlighted that “VP Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, setting out the country’s position on major global issues and President Tinubu’s priorities for reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and a more equitable global economic order.” It further noted that “On his way from the United Nations Headquarters, Senator Shettima, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides and other members of the Nigerian delegation, made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.”

In earlier activities during his New York visit, the Vice President represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. During this session, Shettima advocated for a renewed continental effort aimed at reducing Africa’s reliance on exporting unprocessed minerals. He emphasized the necessity of developing processing, manufacturing, and value-addition sectors leveraging the continent’s vital resources.

The Vice President stressed that Africa's vast mineral resources should be harnessed to create employment, foster industrial expansion, and elevate the living standards of its populace. He further encouraged African nations to enhance collaborative efforts instead of engaging in competitive concessions that ultimately devalue their natural assets.

The statement concluded by indicating that VP Shettima is slated to partake in additional high-level and bilateral meetings throughout the UNGA week, with the goal of advancing Nigeria's national interests and reinforcing its partnerships with global allies.