Shettima returns after representing Tinubu at UNGA

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 with President Tinubu’s mandate to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual high-level gathering of world leaders.

A statement issued on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, said Shettima returned to Nigeria after participating in a series of high-level engagements at the UN General Assembly.

During the visit, the Vice-President delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for reform of the UN Security Council.

Nigeria advocated permanent African representation on the Council, alongside fairer global financing, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation.

Shettima also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where he conveyed President Tinubu’s call for African countries to move beyond the export of raw minerals towards processing, manufacturing and greater value addition.

At a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to education as an investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.

He also expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.

The Vice-President further met with Nigerians in the Diaspora, highlighting the importance of their investments, expertise and professional networks to Nigeria’s development.

Other engagements included meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed.

According to the statement, Shettima used the engagements to advance Nigeria’s positions on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.

He also reiterated the Tinubu administration’s call for a more representative and equitable global order.

The Vice-President’s return comes as President Tinubu is expected back in Nigeria this week following an extended working vacation in Europe.

The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly brought together representatives of UN member states for discussions on major international, regional and development issues.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation after President Bola Tinubu remained abroad on a working vacation.

During the UNGA, Shettima delivered the President’s National Statement and participated in several high-level meetings focusing on UN reform, Africa’s mineral resources, education financing, regional integration, development financing, peace and security, and Nigeria’s engagement with its Diaspora.

His mission also included meetings with the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.