Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, where he led Nigeria’s delegation through high-level diplomatic, economic and development-focused engagements.
Key Highlights
- Vice President Kashim Shettima returned to Nigeria on Monday, September 28, 2026.
- He represented President Bola Tinubu at UNGA 81 in New York.
- Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
- Nigeria renewed its call for reform of the UN Security Council and stronger African representation.
- Shettima participated in discussions on minerals, education financing, climate action and development.
- He held engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora, ECOWAS leadership and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
Shettima Returns After UNGA 81
Shettima arrived back in Nigeria on Monday after a week of meetings and diplomatic engagements in New York as the head of Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly.
President Tinubu had mandated the Vice President to represent him and lead the Nigerian delegation at the global gathering.
The UNGA General Debate ran from September 22 to 28, 2026, with Shettima participating in several high-level meetings alongside other world leaders and senior officials.
Shettima Delivers Nigeria’s National Statement
During the General Debate, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues affecting peace, security, development and global cooperation.
Nigeria reiterated its position on reform of the United Nations Security Council, including the demand for greater representation for Africa.
Shettima said Nigeria supported at least two permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council, with veto powers for as long as the privilege exists, alongside five non-permanent seats for the continent.
The Vice President also said the existing structure of the Security Council no longer reflected contemporary geopolitical realities.
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Shettima Pushes Africa’s Minerals Value Addition
As part of his UNGA engagements, Shettima participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
He called for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals by developing local processing, manufacturing and value-addition industries.
The Vice President said Africa’s mineral resources should contribute more directly to job creation, industrial development and improved living standards across the continent.
Nigeria Highlights Education Financing
Shettima also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy.
During the engagement, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education and expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.
The engagement formed part of Nigeria’s broader push for international partnerships around development financing and human capital development.
Vice President Engages Nigerians in Diaspora
Shettima also met with Nigerians living in the United States during his stay in New York.
He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s economy and development.
The Vice President said the administration was focusing on areas including education, health, science and technology and agriculture.
Shettima Meets UN and ECOWAS Officials
The Vice President also held discussions with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
During the meeting, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for reforms aimed at making international institutions more representative and responsive.
His engagements also included meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and other international partners.
According to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the engagements covered development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.
Nigeria’s UNGA 81 Participation Ends
Shettima’s return brings Nigeria’s high-level participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to a close.
His participation focused on Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities, economic interests and development concerns, including UN reform, African representation, climate finance, education financing, mineral resources and international cooperation. For more political updates, follow us on X.
