Shettima attends UNGA 81 opening alongside global leaders

Vice President Kashim Shettima joined world leaders on Tuesday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the start of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

VP Shettima represents President Bola Tinubu and leads Nigeria’s delegation at this global event. He attended a welcome breakfast hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses.

The vice president arrived at the General Assembly Hall with Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Also part of Nigeria’s delegation were the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, and other senior government officials.

The General Debate runs from 22 to 28 September, focusing on the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The event began with remarks from UN Secretary-General Guterres and speeches from world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump.

VP Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria’s national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, 24 September. He will outline the country’s stance on key global issues and President Tinubu’s priorities for reforming international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a fairer global economic order.

After leaving the United Nations Headquarters, Mr. Shettima, along with governors, ministers, presidential aides, and other members of the Nigerian delegation, made a quick stop at Nigeria House in New York.

Earlier in New York, Mr. Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG. He called for a renewed effort to end Africa’s reliance on exporting raw minerals and to develop processing, manufacturing, and value-added industries around the continent’s vital resources.

Mr. Shettima stated that Africa’s mineral wealth should create jobs, boost industrial growth, and improve living standards for Africans. He urged countries on the continent to work together instead of competing by making concessions that reduce the value of their resources.

The vice president is also expected to take part in other high-level and bilateral meetings during the UNGA week as Nigeria seeks to promote its national interests and strengthen ties with international partners.