Vice President Kashim Shettima arrives in New York to represent President Tinubu at the 80th UN General Assembly.
He will deliver Nigeria’s statement, unveil climate plans and hold key bilateral and investment meetings.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which begins Monday and runs until September 28, 2025.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debate, unveil the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, and participate in a series of bilateral meetings, roundtables, and side events.
While Tinubu had initially been scheduled to address the Assembly, Shettima will now stand in his place. Nigeria was listed to speak on the second day of the debate, with the President originally slated to be the 17th speaker in the afternoon session.
The Vice President was welcomed at John F. Kennedy International Airport by top Nigerian officials, including: Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence, Amb. Samson Itegboje, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the UN Mission, Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Senior defence attachés from Nigeria’s missions in New York and Washington.
Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s key focus areas:
Advocacy for a UN Global Convention on Taxation, Push for Africa’s inclusion on the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, Reaffirmation of Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping operations and commitment to addressing global conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” Tuggar said, stressing Nigeria’s case for a permanent Security Council seat.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said Nigeria’s participation would reinforce its status as Africa’s leading economy and investment hub, with emphasis on solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, added that Nigeria will use the platform to highlight the Renewed Hope Agenda and showcase reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, technology, and solid minerals.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day to demonstrate economic reforms and engage partners on future opportunities,” Oduwole said.
Shettima will also attend the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and hold talks with the Prime Minister of Sudan, alongside other high-level diplomatic engagements.
