Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Stanley Nkwocha, the vice-president’s media aide, said President Bola Tinubu had “mandated” Shettima to represent him at the 81st UNGA.
Nkwocha said the federal government delegation to the UNGA would include Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara; ministers, and senior government officials.
The vice-president’s media aide said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement, “outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation”.
“The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent,” the statement reads.
“Senator Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
“The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.”
The theme of the 81st session of UNGA is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”. The general debate session of UNGA 81 would commence on September 22 and run until 28, 2026.
This will be the third time Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.
The vice-president had delivered the country’s national statement at UNGA in 2024 and 2025. The last time Tinubu attended the UNGA was 2023.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
