President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
According to Nkwocha, Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The UN 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.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on issues relating to national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President is also expected to participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is further expected to attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
Nkwocha said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.
