Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual high-level international gathering on behalf of the President.
During the General Debate, the Vice President delivered Tinubu’s National Statement, reiterating Nigeria’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including permanent representation for Africa. He also highlighted the need for fairer global financing, stronger climate support and enhanced multilateral cooperation.
Shettima participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where Nigeria advocated for African countries to move beyond the export of raw minerals by expanding local processing, manufacturing and value addition.
At a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education as an investment in human capital, productivity and long-term national development. He also expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.
The Vice President also met with members of the Nigerian diaspora, emphasizing the role of their investments, expertise and international networks in supporting Nigeria’s development.
Other engagements included meetings with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
The discussions covered development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security, as well as Nigeria’s position on the need for a more representative and equitable international system.
Shettima’s return marks the conclusion of his official assignment at the UN General Assembly, where he represented Nigeria and advanced the country’s stated diplomatic and development priorities.
