By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to deliver the country’s National Statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with multilateralism, UN reform, climate action, and international financial restructuring topping the agenda.
The address, scheduled between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (New York time), is expected to build on President Tinubu’s advocacy at last year’s session, when he called for permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council a proposal now under consideration by the global body.
Trump Welcomes Delegates as Shettima Attends Opening
Earlier on Tuesday, VP Shettima joined world leaders for the Assembly’s opening session, where U.S. President Donald Trump formally welcomed delegates with a keynote address.
On the sidelines, Shettima held a bilateral meeting with Namibian President Nangolo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who commended Nigeria’s diplomats for their role in strengthening Namibia’s governance. She announced her intention to pay an official visit to Nigeria to meet President Tinubu.
“All the Nigerian diplomats were basically Namibians, helping in so many ways,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, pledging to “find time to come physically and introduce myself to the President.”
In response, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation, stressing: “We are all Africans, and the Nigeria–Namibia relationship should be taken to the next level, beyond where it is now.”
The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Partnership with Gates Foundation
In another high-level engagement, Vice President Shettima met with Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman and his delegation. He thanked the foundation for its work in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion, while calling for greater investments in Nigeria.
“In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner that we trust and believe in,” Shettima said. “If all high-net-worth individuals made even half the investment Bill Gates has made, the world would be a better place.”
He added that Nigeria is targeting annual growth rates of no less than seven percent in the coming years, anchored on macroeconomic stability, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Education Minister Dr Alausa specifically urged the foundation to expand its support into education, particularly technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He noted that while past focus had been on child nutrition, Nigeria urgently requires enhanced support for foundational education.
Responding, Suzman pledged increased investment in human capital development, highlighting ongoing initiatives in digital identity and financial inclusion. “Nigeria is really one of our strongest partnerships on the African continent,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing from you about where and how we might be more helpful while assuring you of our continued support.”
He also confirmed that the foundation recently signed new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost financial technology and inclusion projects.
Suzman was accompanied by Rodger Voorhies, President of Global Growth and Opportunity Division; Uche Amaonwu, Country Director, Nigeria Office; and Dr Paulin Basinga, Director for Africa.
Looking Ahead
Shettima’s address later today is expected to underscore Nigeria’s commitment to UN reforms, climate change action, and equitable financial systems, while reinforcing Africa’s demand for greater representation in global governance.
Observers say Nigeria’s participation at UNGA 80 reflects a dual strategy: pushing for global reforms while consolidating partnerships with both African allies and international development organizations.
