VP Shettima Returns to Nigeria After Representing Tinubu at UNGA 81
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Shettima had departed Abuja on September 20, 2026, following a mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to represent him at the annual gathering of world leaders.
During the high-level meetings in New York, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria restated its position on the need for reforms to the United Nations Security Council.
Nigeria called for permanent African representation on the Security Council, alongside reforms to improve access to global financing, stronger support for climate action and greater international cooperation.
Nigeria Pushes for Greater Value From Mineral Resources
Shettima also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
At the meeting, President Tinubu urged African countries to reduce their dependence on the export of raw minerals and instead develop stronger local processing and manufacturing industries.
The position is aimed at encouraging African countries to capture more economic value from their natural resources through processing and value addition.
Education Financing Also Takes Centre Stage
The Vice President participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy.
At the meeting, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to education, describing investment in human capital as important to productivity and long-term national development.
He also supported the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign aimed at strengthening education systems.
Shettima Meets Nigerians in Diaspora
During his stay in the United States, the Vice President also met with Nigerians living abroad.
He highlighted the potential contributions of the Nigerian diaspora through investments, professional expertise, international connections and other forms of support for national development.
Other engagements included meetings with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
According to the State House, the Vice President used the various meetings to advance Nigeria’s positions on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.
His return brings to an end his official representation of President Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
What this means for Nigerians:
Nigeria’s participation at the UNGA provided an opportunity for the government to present its positions on international financing, security, climate action, education, regional cooperation and the use of Africa’s natural resources. The outcomes of such engagements can influence future international partnerships, financing opportunities and policy discussions involving Nigeria.
Source: State House