Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Shettima’s participation will include delivering Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, as well as taking part in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
According to a statement made available to Naija News on Monday by the Vice President’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering will be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s advocacy for reforms of global institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York for UNGA 81.
- Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation.
- He is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
- Nigeria plans to engage on issues including global institutional reform, international financial architecture, climate finance and technology access.
- Shettima is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
- Nigeria is expected to push for stronger African representation in global decision-making.
Why Shettima Is Leading Nigeria’s UNGA Delegation
Shettima is attending the 81st UN General Assembly as President Tinubu’s representative and will present Nigeria’s position on major international issues.
According to Nkwocha, the Vice President said Nigeria would approach its engagements from the standpoint of national interest while maintaining its commitment to multilateral cooperation.
“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 while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.
Nigeria’s Agenda At UNGA 81
The General Debate will provide the platform for Shettima to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Nkwocha said the address will outline Nigeria’s position on major international issues and priorities with direct implications for:
- Peace and security
- Development
- Economic growth
- Global cooperation
Beyond the General Debate, Shettima is 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.
Issues Nigeria Plans To Raise
According to the statement from the Vice President’s spokesperson, Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to reinforce its positions on several international issues.
These include:
- Reform of the international financial architecture
- Sustainable development
- Climate finance
- Technology access
- Stronger representation for Africa in global decision-making
The issues form part of the broader agenda Nigeria is taking to the international gathering, according to the statement.
Officials Accompanying Shettima
Shettima 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.
On arrival, he was received by several Nigerian government and diplomatic officials, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Others present included 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, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Chief Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.
Shettima’s Diplomatic Engagements
The Vice President’s programme at UNGA 81 goes beyond Nigeria’s national statement.
His planned bilateral meetings and other high-level engagements are expected to provide opportunities for discussions with international partners on issues identified by the Federal Government as priorities.
The statement from Nkwocha said these engagements will focus on advancing Nigeria’s positions on global financial reforms, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and Africa’s representation in international decision-making.
Editorial Analysis: What The UNGA Engagement Covers
Based on the agenda outlined in the Vice President’s spokesperson’s statement, Nigeria’s participation at UNGA 81 combines its multilateral position with a number of economic, development and international cooperation priorities.
Shettima’s planned national statement will present Nigeria’s position on peace, security, development, economic growth and global cooperation, while the planned bilateral engagements will focus on specific areas including international financial architecture, climate finance and technology access.
The source material does not establish the outcome of those engagements or indicate whether specific agreements will be reached. What is clear from the statement is that the Nigerian delegation intends to use the General Assembly and its associated meetings to present the country’s stated positions on these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vice President Shettima attending UNGA 81?
Shettima is attending the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly as the representative of President Bola Tinubu and will lead Nigeria’s delegation.
What will Shettima do during the General Debate?
He is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities.
What issues will Nigeria discuss at UNGA 81?
According to the statement, Nigeria is expected to address issues including international financial architecture reform, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
Will Shettima hold bilateral meetings?
Yes. He is expected 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.
Who accompanied Shettima to New York?
The source identifies Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials as part of the delegation accompanying him.
Who received Shettima in New York?
He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Chief Dele Alake, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim and other senior government and diplomatic officials.
Nigeria’s UNGA 81 Mission
Vice President Shettima’s arrival marks the beginning of Nigeria’s participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Representing President Tinubu, Shettima is scheduled to present Nigeria’s national position during the General Debate and participate in a series of high-level and bilateral engagements.
The agenda outlined by his spokesperson places emphasis on Nigeria’s national interest, multilateralism, global institutional reform, economic and development issues, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
