Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will place its national interest at the centre of its engagements with world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Shettima, who arrived in New York on Monday to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level gathering, said the country would remain committed to multilateralism while pushing for reforms that would make global institutions more representative and responsive.
The Vice President spoke after his arrival in New York, according to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
He said Nigeria would use the UNGA platform to advocate a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries in global affairs.
“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” Shettima said.
He added: “We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.”
The high-level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 26 and September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to present Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions on issues including international peace and security, economic development, sustainable growth and global cooperation.
The Vice President is also scheduled to hold high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
According to the State House, Nigeria will use the engagements to advance its positions on reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
Shettima arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials.
Among those who received him were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The UN General Debate provides heads of state, heads of government and other high-level representatives with an opportunity to present their countries’ positions and priorities on major global challenges.
