Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering, is scheduled to deliver the country’s national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.
Before the opening session, the Vice President attended a welcome breakfast hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.
Shettima arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation included the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior government officials.
The General Debate, scheduled for September 22 to 28, is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The session opened with remarks by Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima’s address on Thursday will outline Nigeria’s position on major global issues.
The statement is expected to highlight President Tinubu’s priorities, including reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and the push for a more equitable global economic order.
After leaving the UN Headquarters, Shettima, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides and other members of the Nigerian delegation, made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.
Earlier in his engagements in New York, the Vice President represented Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), where he called for a coordinated continental effort to reduce Africa’s dependence on raw mineral exports.
Shettima urged African countries to develop processing, manufacturing and value-addition industries around the continent’s critical mineral resources.
He said Africa’s mineral wealth should translate into jobs, industrial development and improved living standards, while calling for stronger cooperation among African countries to maximise the value of their natural resources.
The Vice President is also expected to participate in other high-level meetings and bilateral engagements during UNGA 81 as Nigeria seeks to advance its national interests and deepen cooperation with international partners.
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