Samuel Omang
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 today and runs until September 28.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debate, where he will announce the country’s new Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. He will also participate in a series of bilateral meetings, side events, and roundtables.
On arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Vice President was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Samson Itegboje; and other top officials.
Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities for UNGA 80, Tuggar said the country would push for the adoption of a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and continue to advocate for Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
Nigeria will also use the platform to promote investment opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, telecommunications, and technology through the “Nigeria Investment Day” event, which aims to showcase economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shettima is scheduled to attend the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and meet with world leaders, including the Prime Minister of Sudan. He will also reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to global peacekeeping and conflict resolution, with emphasis on crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
Officials say Nigeria’s participation will reinforce its image as a leading African economy and investment destination.