Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York will be guided by the country’s national interest and a firm commitment to multilateralism, Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced.
Speaking after his arrival in New York on Monday, where he is representing President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President explained that Nigeria intends to push for fundamental changes in international governance. He stated, “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.”
The high-level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly is set to run from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 at the United Nations headquarters under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” The UN noted that the forum allows world leaders and senior diplomats to present their stances and priorities regarding global crises.
During the debate, Shettima is slated to deliver Nigeria’s national address, which will set out the nation’s policy positions on economic growth, global cooperation, international peace, and security. Beyond the main assembly, the Vice President will participate in various bilateral discussions and high-level side events with foreign leaders, international bodies, and development partners.
According to a State House statement issued on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Nigeria intends to leverage these side engagements to advocate for climate finance, access to technology, reforms in the global financial architecture, sustainable development, and expanded African representation in global decision-making organs.
Shettima stated that Nigeria would maintain its national focus while championing the cause of emerging nations. “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 arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, among other senior officials.
Upon arrival, he was received by a delegation that included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.