Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 following a presidential mandate to represent Tinubu at the high-level global gathering. He returned to Nigeria on Monday, September 28, after concluding his engagements in New York.
During the UNGA, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and reaffirming Nigeria’s call for reforms to global institutions.
A major issue raised by Nigeria was the reform of the United Nations Security Council, particularly the demand for permanent African representation.
Shettima said Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the global governance system. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for reforms aimed at making international institutions more representative and responsive.
The Vice President also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where he conveyed President Tinubu’s call for African countries to move beyond the export of raw minerals.
The Nigerian government advocated greater continental cooperation in mineral processing, manufacturing and value addition, arguing that Africa’s natural resources should contribute more directly to industrialisation, job creation and improved living standards.
Education financing was another area of Nigeria’s engagement during the visit. Shettima participated in a high-level event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, where he reaffirmed the administration’s position that education is central to productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.
The Vice President also engaged members of the Nigerian diaspora in the United States, highlighting the role of their expertise, investments and international networks in supporting Nigeria’s development. He called for greater utilisation of the skills and resources of Nigerians living abroad.
Shettima further held meetings with international officials and development partners, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.
The engagements provided opportunities for discussions around regional integration, development financing, economic cooperation, peace and security, climate action and reforms to the international financial system.
Before the UNGA, President Tinubu had directed Shettima to represent him and lead the Nigerian delegation to New York. The delegation included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate was held from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima’s return comes as President Tinubu remains outside Nigeria following an extension of his working vacation. The Presidency had earlier said Tinubu extended his stay abroad by a few days after initially planning to return at the weekend.
The Vice President’s UNGA assignment therefore marked Nigeria’s principal high-level representation at this year’s General Assembly, with the delegation presenting the administration’s positions on global governance, economic development, climate action, education, security and Africa’s role in international decision-making.
