Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
President Bola Tinubu has mandated Shettima to represent him at the annual gathering, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice-President’s media aide.
The federal government delegation will include Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; ministers and other senior government officials.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
“The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent,” the statement reads.
“Senator Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
“The engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.”
The theme of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”.
The general debate for the 81st session is scheduled to begin on September 22 and run until September 28, 2026.
The 2026 appearance will mark the third consecutive year Shettima has led Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA.
He delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 79th session in 2024 and again at the 80th session in 2025.
Tinubu last attended the UN General Assembly in person in 2023.