Nigeria to Promote National Interest at UNGA — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s engagements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly will be guided by the country’s national interest and commitment to multilateralism.

Shettima stated this after arriving in New York on Monday to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the session of the UN General Assembly.

The Vice President said Nigeria would engage international partners from the standpoint of its national interest while advancing calls for reforms that would give developing countries a stronger voice globally.

“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,” he said.

Shettima also said Nigeria would support efforts to reform global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.

The 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major international issues, including peace and security, development, economic growth and global cooperation.

He is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral discussions with world leaders, international organisations and development partners during the General Assembly week.

According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s engagements will also focus on reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and stronger African representation globally.

The Vice President arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials.

He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.

Shettima’s participation marks his third consecutive representation of Tinubu at the UN General Assembly, after attending the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to use the diplomatic engagements to advance Nigeria’s positions on issues considered important to national development and international cooperation and global partnerships.