Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima will head a delegation comprising state governors—including Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara—as well as federal ministers and top public officials.
The UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, according to a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The address will outline Nigeria’s official position and strategic priorities on key international issues, including national development, peace and security, economic growth, and global cooperation.
Shettima is also expected to participate in several high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the right to development and climate action.
The high-level meetings during the week will include discussions on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development on September 23 and climate action and the just transition.
The Vice President will also join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance the administration’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reforms to the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected back in the country after concluding his engagements in New York.