Vice President to outline Nigeria’s positions on development, security, climate action and a more equitable global economic order
Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Thursday present Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is representing President Bola Tinubu.
The Presidency confirmed that Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation and will deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate.
The Vice President is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on the reform of global institutions and other international issues, including sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and the need for a more equitable global economic system.
Shettima had earlier said Nigeria would engage international partners from the standpoint of its national interests while supporting reforms that would give developing countries a stronger voice in global affairs.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The United Nations said the high-level week is bringing together nearly 130 Heads of State and Government.
The Nigerian delegation includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, alongside Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.
Before the General Debate, Shettima also represented Tinubu at the Africa Minerals Strategy Group high-level roundtable on critical minerals development in Africa.
At the meeting, he called for greater processing and value addition to Africa’s mineral resources, arguing that the continent’s mineral wealth should contribute to jobs, industrial development and improved living standards.
Nigeria has also been advocating reforms to the global governance system, including changes that would make international institutions more representative of present-day economic and demographic realities. The position was reiterated by the administration at the recent BRICS Summit, where Nigeria called for reforms to the United Nations and international financial system.
Shettima is expected to hold other high-level meetings and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week as Nigeria seeks to advance its interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.