President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
The development was announced on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
According to Nkwocha, Shettima will lead a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UN General Assembly’s General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima to deliver Nigeria’s statement
At the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on major international issues.
According to the statement, his address will focus on matters with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President is also scheduled to take part in several high-level meetings during the UNGA week.
These include engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues considered important to Nigeria and the African continent.
The UN has listed a high-level meeting to mark 40 years of the Declaration on the Right to Development for September 23, while a separate high-level meeting on climate action and the just transition is also scheduled for the same day.
Bilateral meetings expected
Shettima is also 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 opportunities for Nigeria to advance its economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships.
He added that the meetings would also focus on issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
The UN says the 81st session is focused on restoring trust, managing transformation and strengthening multilateral cooperation amid global challenges.
Nigeria’s delegation is expected to return after Shettima concludes his engagements in New York.