Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the Federal Government saying its engagements will focus on national interests and reforms to global institutions.
Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28.
The Vice President said Nigeria would advocate a multilateral system that provides developing countries with greater representation in international decision-making.
Nigeria’s delegation is expected to use bilateral and multilateral engagements to advance its positions on international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global institutions.
Governors, Ministers Join Delegation
Shettima travelled with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior officials.
He was received in New York by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake and other government and diplomatic officials.
The Presidency has separately addressed questions about Tinubu’s absence from this year’s assembly.
Presidential aide Ademola Osodi said the decision was not connected to any restriction on Tinubu travelling to the United States. Tinubu attended the UNGA in 2023, while Shettima represented him in 2024 and 2025 and is doing so again this year.
The Presidency’s explanation responds to political speculation; the evidence it cited includes Tinubu’s previous travel to the United States.
For Nigeria, the New York meetings provide another opportunity to press longstanding demands for reform of international institutions and stronger representation for Africa, while pursuing bilateral discussions on economic and development priorities.
