RismadarVoice Reporters
September 28, 2026
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual high-level gathering on the mandate of the President.
During the visit, the Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on behalf of Tinubu, outlining the country’s positions on global governance, development, security and economic cooperation.
Nigeria renewed its longstanding call for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including permanent representation for Africa.
Shettima argued that the structure of the international system should reflect contemporary global realities and provide African countries with greater representation in major international decision-making institutions.
The Vice President also called for stronger global financing mechanisms, increased support for climate action and deeper multilateral cooperation to address development challenges.
At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Shettima conveyed Tinubu’s call for African countries to reduce their dependence on exporting unprocessed mineral resources.
He said the continent should invest more heavily in processing, manufacturing and value addition to retain a greater share of the economic benefits generated from its natural resources.
Shettima also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy.
At the meeting, he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that education should be treated as an investment in human capital, productivity and long-term national development.
Nigeria also expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign aimed at strengthening education systems.
During his engagements in New York, Shettima met members of the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted their potential contribution to the country through investment, professional expertise and international networks.
He also held meetings with the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
According to his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the engagements provided opportunities to advance Nigeria’s positions on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.
Shettima also reiterated the Tinubu administration’s call for a more representative and equitable international system capable of responding to the priorities of developing countries.
The Vice President returned to Nigeria on Sunday after completing his engagements in New York.
