Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which commenced on Monday and runs until September 28.
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level General Debate, scheduled for Wednesday during the afternoon session. The Vice President will also announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and participate in various bilateral meetings, side events, and roundtables throughout the week.
President Tinubu had originally been scheduled to address the assembly, but a revised speakers’ list confirmed that the Vice President would present Nigeria’s position at the global forum.
Upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Shettima was received by key government officials including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Samson Itegboje. The welcoming delegation also included Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso, and Defence Attaché in Washington Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
Minister Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s key priorities for the UNGA session, emphasizing the country’s push for significant reforms in global governance structures. “This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” Tuggar stated, highlighting the nation’s advocacy role.
The Foreign Affairs Minister specifically emphasized Nigeria’s continued campaign for African representation on the UN Security Council. “We also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the Security Council, because Africa has a common position, the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that calls for at least two permanent seats,” he explained.
Tuggar indicated that Nigeria would also advocate for the adoption of a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation during the assembly. Additionally, the country plans to restate its contributions to international peacekeeping efforts and address ongoing global conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who is also participating in the New York mission, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s representation at the global forum. “We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education. The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy,” he said.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Olajumoke Oduwole revealed that Nigeria would leverage the UNGA platform to attract international investment. “On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology. It is to show the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on where we are headed,” she explained.
The investment-focused events aim to showcase Nigeria’s economic transformation and highlight opportunities in key sectors including mining, telecommunications, and technology. These initiatives reflect the government’s strategy to use diplomatic platforms for economic diplomacy and investment promotion.
During the week-long session, Vice President Shettima is scheduled to participate in the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and conduct bilateral discussions with various world leaders, including a planned meeting with the Prime Minister of Sudan. These diplomatic engagements form part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen regional and international partnerships.
The 80th UNGA session provides Nigeria with an opportunity to articulate its foreign policy positions on critical global issues while advancing its interests in international governance reform and economic partnerships.
