Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Shettima said Nigeria’s engagements at the global gathering would be guided by the country’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.

Speaking ahead of the engagements, the Vice President said Nigeria remained committed to multilateralism but would continue to push for reforms that would make global institutions more representative and responsive to present-day realities.

“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,” Shettima said.

He said Nigeria would engage its international partners from the standpoint of its national interest while advancing the President’s position on strengthening the voice and opportunities available to developing countries within the global system.

“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest, while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.

The Vice President’s participation at the UN General Assembly is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigeria to articulate its positions on global governance, multilateral cooperation and issues affecting developing countries.

Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly on behalf of President Tinubu.