Nigeria is participating in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly through a delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, mandated by President Bola Tinubu to represent the country and deliver its national statement during this year’s high-level gathering.
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior officials. Upon arrival, he said Nigeria’s engagements would be guided by national interest, a commitment to multilateralism, and Tinubu’s continued advocacy for reform of global institutions to reflect current economic and demographic realities.
This marks the third consecutive year Shettima has represented Nigeria at the General Assembly in Tinubu’s place. Tinubu personally addressed the body in 2023, shortly after taking office, but did not attend in either 2024 or 2025.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Information and National Orientation issued a statement Wednesday addressing public commentary about Tinubu’s non-attendance, saying the country would be “fully and effectively represented” at the session through Shettima’s delegation.
During the General Debate, running from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and take part in high-level meetings, including sessions on the Right to Development and climate action. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders, international organizations and development partners on the sidelines of the gathering.
Nigerian officials have said the delegation intends to use the week to advance the country’s economic diplomacy, push for reform of the international financial architecture, and reinforce calls for stronger African representation in global decision-making, including on the UN Security Council.
