Tinubu Tasks Shettima With Leading Nigeria’s Delegation to 81st UNGA

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

Shettima will head a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

During the debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The vice president will also participate in high-level meetings focusing on the right to development, climate action and other matters of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

He is expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with national leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the engagements will allow Nigeria to advance Tinubu’s economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships.

Nigeria will also use the meetings to strengthen its advocacy for reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and stronger multilateral cooperation.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.