Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, for the 80th week-long session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to take place from Monday, September 22, to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The Vice President, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, will present Nigeria’s national statement, take part in the UN high-level debates, and attend several side events.
During the session, Shettima will unveil Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, participate in the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing roundtable, deliver Nigeria’s national address, and hold multiple bilateral meetings.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima was welcomed by top officials including Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Minister of Defence), Ambassador Samson Itegboje (Charge d’Affaires at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN), Uche Nnaji (Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology), Brigadier General Edward Koleoso (Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York), Group Captain Sani Kalgo (Defence Attaché in Washington), among others.
Speaking on Nigeria’s goals for this year’s UNGA, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the country’s leadership in pushing for a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation, central to efforts at reforming the global financial system.
He said, “This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership… we also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, because Africa has something referred to as the common African position.”
The minister stressed Africa’s demand for a minimum of two permanent seats on the Security Council, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
He added, “We also have the issue of peacekeeping… Nigeria contributes not only on the African side but indeed also on the UN side. We reiterated Nigeria’s position on the conflict in the Middle East, in Gaza, Palestine, the issue of Eastern Congo, and the conflict in Sudan. The Vice President will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Sudan, and he is also going to participate in the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting.”
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani noted that Nigeria’s involvement in the 80th UNGA will enhance its profile as an investment hub and one of Africa’s strongest economies.
He said, “We are looking at areas of our strength… solid mineral resources, Agriculture, and skills-based education… the Vice President has prepared the Nigerian position that will be delivered on Wednesday… it will further reposition Nigeria as the leading economy in Africa.”
Also, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, highlighted Nigeria’s focus on Sustainable Development, linking it to national goals.
She said, “On Monday, we have the Nigeria Investment Day… highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology… all to push forward the Renewed Hope Agenda and the reforms that the Nigerian economy has experienced in the last two years.”