Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will promote national interests, multilateral cooperation and reforms that give developing countries greater influence during the United Nations General Assembly.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly will be guided by national interest and a commitment to multilateral cooperation. Shettima said the Nigerian delegation would also promote President Bola Tinubu’s demand for changes to global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
The vice-president spoke on Monday after arriving in New York to represent Tinubu at the global gathering. “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,” Shettima said.
He added that Nigeria would engage international partners based on its national priorities while supporting a global system that gives developing countries greater influence and better economic opportunities. “We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.
During the General Assembly’s debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and present the country’s position on major international issues. The address will cover matters affecting peace and security, development, economic growth and international cooperation.
Shettima will also attend high-level meetings and hold bilateral discussions with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the assembly. Nigeria is expected to use the meetings to restate its position on reforming the international financial system, advancing sustainable development and expanding access to climate finance.
The delegation will also advocate improved access to technology and stronger African representation in global decision-making institutions. Shettima arrived in New York with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior officials.
The vice-president was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice-President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia. Other officials present to receive him included Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
Senior government and diplomatic officials were also present at his arrival. Shettima’s programme at the assembly will combine Nigeria’s formal national address with bilateral and multilateral engagements focused on the country’s diplomatic, economic and development priorities.