President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
Shettima will represent the President at the General Assembly and deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima would lead a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
According to the statement, the Vice President will participate in a series of high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues considered strategic to Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The meetings are expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance the Tinubu administration’s economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships with countries and international institutions.
The Vice President is also expected to use the engagements to strengthen Nigeria’s position on issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
The Presidency said the high-level engagements would further provide an avenue for Nigeria to articulate its priorities on global issues while seeking partnerships capable of supporting the country’s development objectives.
Shettima’s participation comes as world leaders gather in New York for the annual UN General Assembly, where countries are expected to deliberate on global challenges and measures for strengthening international cooperation.
