Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading the Nigerian delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20, 2026, after President Tinubu mandated him to represent Nigeria at the annual high-level gathering of world leaders. The Federal Government had said his assignment would include delivering Nigeria’s national statement and participating in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
The Vice President’s return on Monday, September 28, followed the conclusion of his scheduled engagements in New York.
Shettima Presents Nigeria’s Position at UNGA
During the General Debate, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Tinubu, outlining the country’s positions on major international issues.
A central issue raised by Nigeria was reform of the United Nations Security Council, particularly the need for stronger and permanent African representation in the global body.
Nigeria also used the UNGA platform to advocate for fairer global financing, stronger climate support and greater multilateral cooperation on development and other international challenges.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation said Nigeria’s participation was guided by national interest, multilateralism and the government’s position that international institutions should better reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
Focus on Africa’s Mineral Resources
Shettima also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where discussions focused on the continent’s mineral resources and the need for greater value addition within Africa.
Nigeria advocated moving beyond the export of raw minerals by strengthening local processing, manufacturing and industrial development around Africa’s natural resources.
The issue is particularly relevant to Nigeria as the government seeks to expand the solid minerals sector and diversify the economy beyond its traditional dependence on oil.
The broader argument advanced during the engagement was that African countries should capture more economic value from their mineral resources through processing and industrialisation rather than relying predominantly on the export of unprocessed commodities.
Nigeria Supports Increased Education Financing
Education financing was another issue on Shettima’s agenda during the UNGA week.
At a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for increased investment in education and human capital development.
Nigeria also backed the Global Partnership for Education’s campaign to mobilise $5 billion to strengthen education systems, particularly in developing countries.
The discussions placed education within the wider development agenda, particularly in relation to productivity, skills development and long-term economic growth.
Engagements With Regional and International Partners
Beyond the General Assembly sessions, Shettima held a series of meetings with international and regional stakeholders.
He met with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed as part of Nigeria’s engagements with the UN system.
The Vice President also engaged with the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, with regional cooperation and integration forming part of the discussions during his stay in New York.
Shettima additionally met members of the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted the role of Nigerians living abroad in contributing to national development through investment, professional expertise, business networks and international connections.
Nigerian Delegation
Shettima led a high-level delegation that included governors, ministers and other senior government officials.
Among the officials associated with the delegation were Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside senior federal government officials.
The delegation’s engagements formed part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic effort during the UNGA to strengthen relationships with governments, international organisations and development partners.
Why the UNGA Engagement Matters
Nigeria’s participation provided the country with an international platform to articulate its positions on global governance, development financing, climate action, technology access, regional integration and economic cooperation.
The call for reform of the UN Security Council is also part of Nigeria’s longstanding position that Africa should have a stronger voice in major international decision-making institutions.
For Nigeria, the UNGA engagements also provided an opportunity to pursue diplomatic and economic interests while discussing issues that have implications for development across the African continent.
The Federal Government has linked its international engagements to broader efforts to attract investment, strengthen partnerships and advance economic diplomacy.
What Happens Next
With Shettima back in Nigeria, attention will turn to the follow-up to the issues raised during his UNGA engagements.
These include Nigeria’s advocacy for reform of global institutions, increased development and education financing, climate support, greater value addition to African mineral resources, stronger regional cooperation and deeper engagement with international partners.
The 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate ran from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima’s return marks the conclusion of his assignment as Nigeria’s representative at the UNGA, following a week of diplomatic engagements in New York on behalf of President Tinubu.
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Sources
- Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation — Nigeria’s participation at the 81st UN General Assembly and Shettima’s mandate to represent President Tinubu.
- Voice of Nigeria — Shettima’s departure for the 81st UNGA and details of Nigeria’s delegation.
- Channels Television — Report on Shettima’s return to Nigeria after leading the UNGA delegation.
- Punch — Report on Shettima’s return following the UNGA engagements.
- Radio Nigeria Lagos — Summary of Shettima’s UNGA engagements and Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities.
