By Samuel Akpan
Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged that Nigeria will approach the 81st United Nations General Assembly strictly through the prism of national interest as he landed in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu.
“Our message in New York is clear: Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” he said.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” Shettima added.
He arrived with Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior federal officials.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, and Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu received him.
Also present were Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Solid Mineral Development Minister Dele Alake, Nigeria’s UN Permanent Representative Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, and other diplomats.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement in the general debate, setting out Abuja’s positions on major global issues and priorities.
He will join high-level sessions and hold bilateral talks with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines.
Nigeria plans to use the New York meetings to press again for reform of the international financial architecture and to advance sustainable development.