Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which opens on Monday and runs through September 28.
Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level debates, unveil the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and take part in bilateral meetings, side events, and roundtable discussions.
Although President Tinubu was initially scheduled to address the assembly, a revised speakers’ list indicated he would have spoken on the second day of the debate, around 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), as the 17th leader to deliver remarks.
At John F. Kennedy International Airport, Shettima was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Samson Itegboje. Also present were Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso, and Defence Attaché in Washington Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
Speaking on Nigeria’s agenda for UNGA 80, Tuggar stressed the country’s continued push for a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and Africa’s representation on the UN Security Council.
“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” he said. “We also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the Security Council, because Africa has a common position, the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that calls for at least two permanent seats.”
He added that Nigeria would also restate its commitments on peacekeeping and global conflicts, including the crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani had noted that Nigeria’s participation at UNGA would reinforce its standing as a leading African economy and investment hub.
“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” he said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olajumoke Oduwole said Nigeria would use the platform to spotlight reforms and attract investors.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she explained. “It is to show the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on where we are headed.”
During the week, Shettima will also join the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and hold talks with the Prime Minister of Sudan, among other engagements.
