By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Shettima will head a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
According to the statement, the address would outline Nigeria’s position and priorities on major international issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
Shettima is also expected to participate in several high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the right to development and climate action.
The high-level meetings during the week will include discussions on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development on September 23 and climate action and the just transition.
The Vice President will also join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance the administration’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reforms to the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.
