Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he used a series of high-level engagements to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 and led Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders after Tinubu delegated him to represent the country at the General Assembly.
During the visit, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for a restructuring of the global governance system to give Africa permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s position on reforms to the international financial architecture, increased climate financing and stronger international cooperation to support developing economies.
Beyond the General Debate, Shettima took part in several high-level meetings focused on Africa’s economic development, education, regional integration and investment.
At the Africa Minerals Strategy Group meeting, Nigeria advocated greater value addition to Africa’s mineral resources, with emphasis on local processing, refining and manufacturing rather than continued dependence on the export of raw minerals.
The Vice President also represented Nigeria at an education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, where the country backed the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.
He further engaged Nigerians living abroad, encouraging them to contribute to national development through investment, expertise and international partnerships.
As part of his diplomatic engagements, Shettima also met with the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
His participation in the UNGA came as President Tinubu remained in Europe on what the Presidency described as a working vacation. The President had left Nigeria on August 30 and subsequently travelled to France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and business leaders.
Shettima’s return to Nigeria was announced on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
