Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Shettima, who departed Abuja on September 20 on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, touched down in Abuja on Monday morning, according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President led a high-powered delegation that included Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara*, ministers and other senior government officials.
What Shettima Did In New York
At the heart of the visit, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement during the General Debate, held under the theme _“Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”_
In the address, Nigeria made 4 bold demands:
1. UN Security Council Reform: Permanent seat for Africa.
2. Fairer Global Financing: Reform of global financial architecture to favour developing nations.
3. Climate Justice: Stronger climate support for Africa.
4. Multilateral Cooperation: Deeper collaboration for peace and security.
The statement said: “During the visit, VP Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for reform of the UN Security Council, demanding permanent African representation, fairer global financing, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation.”
Shettima also attended the *Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group*, where he presented Tinubu’s position that Africa must move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on processing, manufacturing and value addition.
At the high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, the VP reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to education as a critical investment in productivity and human capital, while backing the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign.
Other engagements included:
– Meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora to push for their investment and expertise back home.
– Meetings with the new leadership of ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
– Bilateral talks with world leaders and development partners.
His return comes amid public attention over President Tinubu’s extended working vacation in Europe. The Presidency has assured Nigerians that Tinubu is hale and hearty and expected back shortly.
