Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.
Shettima said Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering would be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s advocacy for reforms of global institutions.
The Vice President, who arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials, said Nigeria would use the opportunity to advance its interests and strengthen its voice in global affairs.
“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 said Nigeria would continue to engage international partners while insisting on reforms that would give developing countries greater representation in global decision-making.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.
Shettima said the country’s participation would also focus on issues with direct implications for Nigeria’s economic growth, development and security.
On arrival in New York, the Vice President was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Also present were the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Chief Dele Alake; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior government and diplomatic officials.
During the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues, including peace and security, development, economic growth and global cooperation.
The Vice President is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to push its positions on reforms of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger representation for Africa in global decision-making.
The government is also expected to use the UNGA platform to deepen international partnerships and advance issues considered important to Nigeria’s national development priorities.
Shettima’s participation comes as Nigeria seeks a greater role for developing countries in shaping global institutions and decisions affecting the international political and economic order.