UNGA 81: What to Expect as World Leaders Gather in New York

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September 22, 2026

Restoring trust in the United Nations, a pending change at the helm and fears over AI were expected to top the agenda of the U.N. General Assembly when the annual session gets underway in New York on Tuesday. File Photo by Eduardo Munoz/UPI | License Photo — United Nations, U.N. General Assembly in New York

New York has become the centre of global diplomacy as nearly 130 heads of state and government converge on the United Nations for the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28, under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”

But beyond the speeches and diplomatic receptions, this year’s gathering comes at a particularly tense moment, with wars, energy security, international trade, climate change and the future of multilateral cooperation high on the agenda.

Trump Takes Centre Stage

US President Donald Trump is expected to command much of the attention in New York.

U.S. President Donald Trump will be at the top of the talks on the middle east crisis, UK-Russian war, amongst other talks

His UN address comes as the Middle East remains engulfed in conflict and the war in Ukraine continues. Reuters reports that Trump is expected to use his speech to defend the US position on Iran, discuss what his administration describes as progress on peace efforts and argue for an international system that gives greater weight to US interests.

His diplomatic schedule is also packed.

Trump is scheduled to hold meetings with a number of world leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, alongside representatives of several Gulf states.

Iran, Ukraine and the Middle East

The wars and conflicts dominating international headlines are expected to feature heavily throughout the week.

Iran will be one of the biggest issues, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expected to address the General Assembly after Trump. The continuing conflict has also raised concerns over shipping and energy supplies through strategic waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Russia-Ukraine war will also remain firmly on the agenda. Zelenskyy is expected to use his appearance to rally international support as Ukraine enters another winter of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not attending, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to represent Moscow.

Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israel-Palestinian conflict is another major focus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the General Assembly, while Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will deliver his address by video after the US denied visas to him and his delegation, according to NPR reporting.

The issue is expected to generate significant diplomatic attention and demonstrations around the UN during the week.

Who Won’t Be in New York?

Despite the huge gathering, several major world leaders are not attending personally.

Among those expected to be represented by senior officials rather than their presidents or prime ministers are leaders from China, India, Germany and South Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also not expected to attend in person.

For Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also not attending in person. Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly.

That means Africa’s representation will include senior officials from some of the continent’s largest economies, even as their presidents remain at home.

Climate, Development and Global Health

UNGA 81 is not only about war and diplomacy.

The official programme includes high-level discussions on climate action, sea-level rise, the right to development and pandemic preparedness. A dedicated high-level meeting on climate action and a just transition is scheduled for September 23, while discussions on sea-level rise and pandemic prevention follow later in the week.

The UN is also using the gathering to push progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, at a time when many countries are struggling with debt, inequality, food insecurity and climate-related pressures.

A Changing United Nations

This year’s General Assembly also carries a sense of transition.

It is António Guterres’ final High-Level Week as UN Secretary-General, with his term ending later this year. The process of selecting his successor is therefore another issue to watch as diplomats gather in New York.

The broader question running through the week is whether the United Nations can rebuild confidence in multilateral cooperation at a time when geopolitical divisions are deepening.

Why UNGA 81 Matters

For the world’s leaders, UNGA is more than a series of speeches.

It is an opportunity for bilateral meetings, negotiations, coalition-building and diplomatic signalling — often away from the main General Assembly chamber.

And with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, energy and shipping concerns, climate change, global development and the future of the UN all competing for attention, what happens in New York could shape international diplomacy well beyond the week itself.

For the next seven days, the world’s attention will be on New York — not just to hear what leaders say, but to watch what they negotiate.

Dangote Cuts Petrol Price Again: Why Aren’t Nigerians Seeing The Full Relief At The Pump?

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 22, 2026

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Dangote reduces fuel price again but its a different story for Nigerians — Fuel attendant dispensing fuel at the pump

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has cut its petrol price again, reducing its gantry price by ₦25 per litre to ₦1,325.

For Nigerian motorists, however, the bigger question is not just how much Dangote has reduced its price.

It is how quickly — and how fully — that reduction will reach the filling station.

From ₦1,350 to ₦1,325

The latest reduction comes after Dangote raised its petrol gantry price to ₦1,350 per litre earlier in September as global crude oil prices surged.

The September increase was linked to higher international crude prices and rising replacement costs, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel at the time.

The latest ₦25 reduction therefore comes as global oil prices ease from recent highs.

But the movement in Dangote’s refinery price does not automatically translate into an identical movement at the pump.

Why The Pump Price Can Be Higher

Nigeria operates a deregulated petrol market, meaning the government does not directly fix the retail pump price.

Petrol prices not meeting purchasing power

The price motorists see can reflect several costs between the refinery and the filling station, including transportation, depot charges, logistics, distribution expenses, dealer margins and other operating costs.

The NMDPRA recently reiterated that it does not set petrol pump prices under the deregulated market framework.

That means a ₦25 reduction at the refinery does not necessarily mean motorists will immediately see ₦25 knocked off the price displayed at every filling station.

Motorists Are Still Paying Above ₦1,400 In Some Areas

The issue has become more visible because petrol prices recently climbed sharply across the country.

Reuters reported that petrol reached around ₦1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja, with prices rising as high as ₦1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria amid higher international oil prices.

In Abuja, Premium Times also reported that some filling stations were selling petrol between ₦1,400 and ₦1,450 per litre following Dangote’s earlier September price increase.

So even with Dangote’s latest price reduction, motorists are watching closely to see whether retail prices begin to follow.

The Global Oil Price Factor

There is another reason petrol prices remain volatile: Nigeria’s domestic fuel market is still exposed to global crude oil prices

The Dangote refinery has reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imported petrol, but its pricing is still affected by the cost of crude and replacement products in the international market.

That was evident in September when rising global oil prices pushed Dangote’s petrol gantry price from ₦1,265 to ₦1,350 per litre.

Reuters has also reported that Dangote’s 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery was operating at full capacity while Nigerian petrol prices still climbed sharply, highlighting the continued impact of international oil-market movements on domestic fuel prices.

So, When Will Motorists Feel The Reduction?

The key issue now is the price transmission chain.

If Dangote sells petrol to marketers at ₦1,325 per litre, the product still has to move through depots, transport networks and filling stations before it reaches consumers.

How much of the ₦25 reduction is passed on — and how quickly — can therefore vary by location, supplier and existing stock.

For motorists, the headline figure is ₦25 off Dangote’s gantry price.

But the real measure of relief will be what Nigerians eventually see on the pump-price display.

The Bottom Line

Dangote’s latest price cut offers some relief at the refinery level, but it also highlights a bigger reality in Nigeria’s deregulated petrol market: a lower refinery price does not automatically mean a lower pump price.

Until the reduction filters through the supply chain, the question for motorists remains simple:

Will the ₦25 cut actually reach the pump?

NELFUND Has Disbursed ₦355.87bn — But What Happens When Students Graduate?

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 22, 2026

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, is rapidly becoming one of Nigeria’s most closely watched education stories as the Federal Government expands access to student loans.

Since the student loan portal opened in May 2024, NELFUND says it has processed 1,659,853 applications and disbursed ₦355.87 billion as of September 3, 2026.

Of the total, ₦192.89 billion went toward institutional fees, while ₦162.98 billion was paid as student upkeep allowances.

NELFUND Student Loans: How Big Is The Programme?

The numbers highlight the scale of Nigeria’s student loan programme.

NELFUND Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, recently said the agency had received about 1.8 million applications, processed roughly 1.5 million and provided support to about 850,000 beneficiaries.

Questions are asked about the NELFUND really is

He also disclosed that NELFUND spends approximately ₦16 billion every month on student upkeep allowances, underscoring the financial commitment required to sustain the programme.

For thousands of Nigerian students, the loans are designed to reduce the immediate financial burden of tuition and living expenses and make tertiary education more accessible.

The Bigger Question: Who Pays Back?

But as the number of beneficiaries grows, attention is shifting from access to repayment.

A recent policy brief warned that about ₦355.9 billion in NELFUND loans could face recovery risks without stronger systems for tracking beneficiaries and collecting repayments.

One of the recommendations is for NELFUND to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria’s tax and income-record systems. This could help the agency identify graduates who become self-employed or work outside traditional payroll systems when repayment becomes due.

The issue is particularly important because not every graduate will immediately move into formal employment.

When Does NELFUND Repayment Begin?

NELFUND has said repayment is structured around beneficiaries’ ability to pay.

Under the current framework, repayment is scheduled to begin two years after completion of the NYSC programme.

That creates a significant window between receiving the loan and repayment — but it also raises questions about how effectively graduates can be tracked during that period, particularly those who are unemployed, self-employed or working in the informal economy.

Can NELFUND Become A Sustainable Student-Loan System?

The long-term sustainability of the NELFUND student loan scheme may ultimately depend on how effectively government balances two objectives: keeping higher education accessible while recovering enough of the loans to continue funding future students.

With hundreds of billions of naira already committed, the programme is no longer only about how many students can access loans.

The next test is whether today’s beneficiaries can become tomorrow’s responsible borrowers — and whether the money recovered can help ensure that future generations of Nigerian students can also access higher education financing.

For NELFUND, the real test may not simply be disbursement. It may be repayment.

Tinubu Is Trending: Why Nigerians Are Talking About The President Today

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 22, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is again generating significant online attention as several issues converge around his administration, including his extended working vacation, Nigeria’s representation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly and the continuing debate over his economic reforms.

The Presidency announced on September 21 that Tinubu had extended his working vacation in Europe and would return to Nigeria at the weekend. He left Nigeria on August 30 and has since spent time in London and Paris, where the Presidency said he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

At the same time, Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The Federal Government says Tinubu’s decision to delegate the assignment is linked to his annual leave and that Shettima is attending with the President’s full mandate.

Vice President Kashim Shetima at the 79th UNGA

The President’s absence has nevertheless generated political debate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned whether the constitutional requirements for transferring presidential powers were followed after the initial 21-day vacation period.

Nigeria's former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar

The Presidency has rejected the criticism and maintained that Tinubu has continued directing government affairs while away.

Beyond the vacation controversy, Tinubu remains closely associated with some of Nigeria’s biggest economic policy changes, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the government’s push toward CNG as an alternative energy source. With fuel prices again under pressure, attention is increasingly focused on how those reforms are affecting households and businesses.

Weekend Football Review: Arsenal Stunned, Brobbey Hat-Trick Wasted As Barcelona Stay Perfect

By

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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September 21, 2026

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Weekend football review featuring Arsenal, Manchester city, Real Madrid and Barcelona result — Featured image caption: A dramatic weekend of European football saw Arsenal’s perfect start end, Manchester City win an eight-goal thriller and Barcelona maintain their flawless La Liga record.

The final weekend before the international break was full of drama in England and Spain. Arsenal’s perfect start ended, Manchester City survived an eight-goal thriller, Tottenham’s dreadful start got worse, and Manchester United needed a late deflection to escape Craven Cottage. In Spain, Atlético Madrid won the derby against ten-man Real Madrid, and Barcelona kept their perfect record thanks to a Raphinha hat-trick.

Premier League

Brighton 3-0 Arsenal: Gunners’ perfect run ends at the Amex

Arsenal’s perfect start to the season came to an abrupt end as Brighton dominated the champions. Captain Pascal Groß opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and Charalampos Kostoulas doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. Both first-half goals were struck from outside the box.

Chema Andrés headed in Groß’s corner in the 57th minute to make it three. Havertz wasted Arsenal’s best chance, and although the visitors edged the expected-goals count, the better team clearly won. Arteta said the defeat could prove a big lesson and admitted Brighton deserved the win, which lifted them to third.

Man City 5-3 Sunderland: Chaos at the Etihad

Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick in a losing cause as City kept their 100% start. Fernández put City ahead in the 9th minute and Brobbey levelled in the 12th. Cherki restored the lead in the 29th, Brobbey equalised again in the 33rd, and Semenyo made it 3-2 in the 43rd.

Semenyo’s second came in the 57th minute, and Brobbey completed his hat-trick in the 59th. Haaland then struck in the 81st minute to settle it. City go into the break three points clear at the top. Sunderland’s expected-goals figure of 4.25 from 17 shots shows how close they came to more.

Tottenham 2-3 Aston Villa: Spurs sink to a record-low start

Johan Manzambi put Villa ahead on the stroke of half-time. Nicolas Jackson doubled the lead and Emi Buendia added a third in the 79th minute. Tottenham thought Kudus had equalised around the hour, but Robertson was ruled offside in the build-up.

Conor Gallagher scored Spurs’ first goal of the season late on, followed by a Jan Paul van Hecke header, but it was too little, too late. Their scoring drought of 485 minutes is the second longest in Premier League history. It is Spurs’ worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, with two points from five games and a goal difference of -6. The win was Villa’s first of the season.

Fulham 1-1 Man United: Cunha rescues a point

A first half with a record 26 shots ended goalless, with Bruno Fernandes hitting the post. Fulham took the lead when Calvin Bassey’s shot was pushed by Lammens into the path of Lisandro Martínez, who turned it into his own net.

Matheus Cunha equalised on the cusp of full-time with a shot that deflected off Affengruber. It was a muted display from United, who have now gone three league games without a win. Fulham are still waiting for a first win under Alvaro Arbeloa, though they move off the bottom.

La Liga

Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid: Huijsen’s red card decides the derby

The derby only came alive after the break at the Metropolitano. Dean Huijsen dragged back Giuliano Simeone, and after a VAR check the referee upgraded his yellow card to a straight red. Alejandro Grimaldo scored the penalty in the 53rd minute and Atlético went 2-0 up six minutes later.

Antonio Rüdiger headed one back in the 89th minute, but Atlético held on. Atlético move up to second, five points behind Barcelona, while Madrid slip to third after their second defeat of the season. It also ended José Mourinho’s record of dominating Diego Simeone’s side.

Sevilla 1-3 Barcelona: Raphinha’s hat-trick keeps Barça perfect

Youssouf Fofana headed Sevilla in front. The lead lasted barely two minutes before Raphinha levelled. Seven minutes into the second half, he headed Barça in front after Lamine Yamal chipped the ball into the box.

Raphinha hit the post, then completed his hat-trick five minutes later after Rodri found Yamal, who slipped him through. It was his second hat-trick in four days. Barcelona now have 21 points from seven games. They lead Real Madrid by six points ahead of the break.

Trump Bans CNN, MSNBC And Politico From The White House

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September 21, 2026

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Trump bans CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House — Trump, CNN, MSNBC and Politico

President Trump announced on September 18, 2026, that he is banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House “effective immediately,” citing their coverage as “FAKE NEWS,” “FICTION and LIES.”

White House Press Ban: CNN, MS NOW and Politico Take Trump to Federal Court — Trump on 3 media outlets including CNN

Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, stating the ban was due to the outlets’ “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.” He added that other “Fake News Media Outlets” would follow. President trump also posted on X citing his disapproval of the three news outlets in a statement on the platform.

I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time Record, directly from the United States Government, under Crooked Joe Biden, in order to keep them “alive.” Seems like corruption to me!), from the White House as a result of their constant “reporting” FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

In Oval Office remarks the same day, he described it as a response to “cumulative stories over the last few years,” saying he was “sick of it” and that the outlets “purposely write negative stories.” He argued he does not have to allow them into “the people’s house.” He named the New York Times and Washington Post as possible future targets when asked about others. Enforcement began the next day (Saturday, September 19): Journalists from the three outlets had their hard passes/badges confiscated or disabled and were denied entry to White House grounds.

The White House also removed CNN from its scheduled Monday TV pool assignment (the longstanding rotation among ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News that films presidential events for the broader press corps). CNN had been assigned as the TV pool for Trump’s trip to the UN General Assembly.

Trump, CNN, MSNBC and Politico in a controversy over 'fake news' — White House Press Ban: CNN, MS NOW and Politico Take Trump to Federal Court

CNN called the ban an “illegal assault” on its constitutionally protected right to report without government interference and said it would continue covering the administration regardless of physical access restrictions. Politico said it would “vigorously defend” its First Amendment rights and continue fair reporting. MS NOW stated it would take “any and all steps necessary” to defend its First Amendment rights and the role of independent journalism.

The outlets indicated they are preparing or considering a First Amendment lawsuit.

Ikeja Electric meter refund: Who qualifies and how customers will receive their money

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webmaster

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September 21, 2026

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Ikeja Electric prepaid meter refund for MAP customers — Ikeja Electric has started refunding eligible customers who paid for meters under the MAP scheme.

Customers of Ikeja Electric who previously paid for prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider, MAP, scheme may now be eligible to receive refunds.

The electricity distribution company has started returning meter payments to qualifying customers through credits applied to their electricity vending transactions.

For customers who paid for meters under the scheme, the development raises three key questions: who qualifies, how will the refund be paid and how can customers confirm that they are receiving it?

Who qualifies for the Ikeja Electric meter refund?

Nigerian customer checking a prepaid electricity meter and vending receipt for Ikeja Electric MAP refund eligibility. — Eligible Ikeja Electric customers who paid for prepaid meters under the MAP scheme may qualify for refunds through electricity vending credits.

The refund applies to eligible customers who paid for prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider scheme.

Customers who received meters through other programmes or did not personally pay for their meters may not fall under the same refund arrangement.

Affected customers should check the details of how their meter was acquired and confirm whether it was obtained through MAP.

How will the refund be paid?

Nigerian electricity customer purchasing prepaid units on a phone as meter refund credit is applied through vending. — Ikeja Electric meter refunds are credited through customers’ electricity vending transactions rather than paid directly as cash.

The refund is not expected to be paid as cash directly into customers’ bank accounts.

Instead, eligible customers will receive credits when they purchase electricity units.

This means part of the amount customers would normally spend on electricity may be offset by the meter refund until the approved amount has been recovered.

How customers can check their refund

Customers should pay attention to their electricity vending receipts and transaction details whenever they purchase units.

Any refund credit should be reflected in the electricity vending process.

Customers who believe they qualify but do not see any refund may need to contact Ikeja Electric through its official customer service channels for clarification.

Why the refund matters

Metering remains one of the biggest concerns for electricity consumers in Nigeria.

Many customers have complained about estimated billing, delays in obtaining prepaid meters and the cost of acquiring meters.

The MAP scheme was introduced to accelerate meter deployment by allowing customers to pay approved providers for meters.

The new refund arrangement means eligible customers who previously funded their own meters may gradually recover what they paid.

What Ikeja Electric customers should do

Ikeja Electric customer checking prepaid meter payment records and electricity vending transactions on a phone. — Ikeja Electric customers who paid for meters under the MAP scheme should keep their payment records, monitor vending transactions and contact official customer support if their refund is not reflected.

Customers who purchased meters under MAP should keep records of their meter payment, vending receipts and account details.

They should also monitor subsequent electricity purchases to confirm whether the refund credit is being applied.

Anyone uncertain about their eligibility should rely on Ikeja Electric’s official communication channels rather than unofficial messages or social media claims.

Colombia knock Nigeria out of U-20 Women’s World Cup with late goal

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September 21, 2026

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Nigeria Falconets against Colombia at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup — Nigeria’s Falconets were eliminated by Colombia following a 1-0 quarter-final defeat at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s Falconets have been knocked out of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after suffering a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Łódź, Poland.

Valerin Loboa scored the decisive goal in the second minute of stoppage time to send Colombia through to the semi-finals after Nigeria had battled with 10 players for the closing stages of the match.

The defeat brought an end to Nigeria’s impressive run in the tournament, following their emphatic victory over England in the previous round.

Falconets and Colombia battle for breakthrough

Both teams struggled to find the opening goal during a competitive first half, although Nigeria created several promising opportunities.

Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei came particularly close in the 19th minute when her effort struck the crossbar.

Tumininu Adeshina also threatened before half-time, forcing Colombia goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo into a save as the Falconets searched for the breakthrough.

Colombia also created chances but were unable to beat the Nigerian defence as the first half ended goalless. (Premium Times Nigeria)

Nigeria reduced to 10 players

The match changed significantly in the second half when Nigeria were reduced to 10 players.

Kafayat Mafisere was shown a red card in the 77th minute, with the decision subsequently confirmed following a VAR review.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Falconets continued to defend resolutely and attempted to create chances on the counterattack as the match appeared to be heading towards extra time. (Channels Television)

Colombia score dramatic late winner

Colombia U-20 women’s players celebrating with their mouths open after scoring against Nigeria. — Colombia players celebrate passionately after scoring against Nigeria in their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final clash.

Nigeria’s resistance was eventually broken in stoppage time.

Loboa struck in the 92nd minute to give Colombia a 1-0 lead and put the South American side within touching distance of the semi-finals.

The Falconets attempted to respond in the remaining minutes, with Akekoromowei among those trying to find an equaliser, but Nigeria were unable to force the game into extra time.

The final whistle confirmed Colombia’s place in the semi-finals and ended Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Nigeria’s World Cup journey ends in quarter-finals

Nigerian Falconets player on the pitch as a teammate helps her up after their quarter-final defeat to Colombia. — A dejected Nigerian player lies on the pitch as a teammate helps her up following the Falconets’ quarter-final exit from the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria had reached the last eight after producing an impressive performance against England, winning 3-0 to book their quarter-final place.

Tosin Rafiu, Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored in that victory, while goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma produced an important display that included a penalty save. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

The Falconets were hoping to reach the U-20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2014, but Colombia’s late goal ended those ambitions.

Nigeria will now turn attention to future competitions as the players and coaching staff assess their campaign in Poland.

Tinubu Sends Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation at 81st UNGA

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 20, 2026

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Tinubu sends Shetima to UNGA — Tinubu, Shetima in a conversation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Shettima will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level week is taking place in New York, with the General Debate scheduled from September 22 to 28, 2026. The session is being held under the theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

The UN says nearly 130 Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the high-level week in person. UN officials had also projected about 73 heads of state, 45 heads of government, 49 ministers, 11 vice-presidents and one crown prince among participants, although those figures can change as delegations are confirmed.

What Shettima Will Discuss

At the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s priorities on issues including economic development, peace and security, sustainable development, climate action and international cooperation.

The Vice President is also expected to participate in high-level meetings focusing on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

Shettima at 79th session of UN general assembly

He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with heads of government, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

For Nigeria, the engagements are expected to provide an opportunity to advance the Tinubu administration’s economic diplomacy, attract strategic partnerships and push issues including global financial architecture reform, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

UNGA 81: A World Body Seeking to Rebuild Trust

The 81st session opened on September 8 under the leadership of Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, who was elected president of the General Assembly in June.

The UN says the session is focused on restoring confidence in multilateral cooperation amid conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate emergencies, inequality and other global challenges. Its programme also includes priorities around peace and security, development, climate, digital governance and UN reform.

US Visa Controversy Adds Tension

The high-level meeting is also taking place against a backdrop of controversy over U.S. entry restrictions affecting some foreign delegations.

Washington has announced that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and a core Iranian delegation will be permitted to attend, with restrictions on their movements in the United States. Reuters reported that the decision is linked to U.S. obligations under the 1947 UN headquarters agreement.

At the same time, the United States has denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the second consecutive year and extended visa restrictions affecting Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization officials.

The UN General Assembly subsequently voted to allow Abbas to address the gathering by video, with the resolution passing 152 votes to three, with four abstentions, according to Reuters.

The contrasting decisions have added another diplomatic issue to an already closely watched UNGA, where leaders are expected to address conflicts, international cooperation, climate action and sustainable development.

For Nigeria, Shettima’s participation will put the country’s positions and diplomatic priorities before a broad gathering of world leaders and international institutions.

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.

SERAP Urges UN Probe Into 37 NSCDC Custody Deaths

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Yemisi Lanre-Idowu

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September 20, 2026

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SERAP Urges UN Probe Into NSCDC Custody Deaths

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the United Nations to intervene over the reported deaths of 37 people in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Niger State, as well as reports of lethal force used during protests that followed the deaths in Minna.

In an urgent appeal dated September 18, 2026, SERAP asked four UN Special Rapporteurs to demand answers from the Nigerian government and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the reported violence against protesters are independently established.

The organisation’s appeal was signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and addressed to the UN Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; freedom of opinion and expression; and the situation of human rights defenders.

What happened to the 37 detainees?

According to SERAP, the 37 people were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal and artisanal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.

They were subsequently detained in Minna, with their deaths reported on September 17.

37 Detainees Dead in NSCDC Custody — Illegal miners dead

The deaths triggered protests in Minna on September 18. SERAP said there were reports that security forces used excessive force against protesters, resulting in deaths and serious injuries.

However, the organisation acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding both the deaths in NSCDC custody and the reported use of force against protesters have not yet been independently established.

SERAP said the UN should therefore demand answers from Nigerian authorities.

“The UN should demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the truth about the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna is established.”

SERAP: Deaths in custody must be independently investigated

SERAP said every death or serious injury occurring in custody should be subject to a prompt, independent and transparent investigation.

“Every death or serious injury in police custody ought to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated, and perpetrators identified and brought to justice.”

The organisation also referenced international human rights standards governing the use of force.

“Any loss of life that results from the excessive use of force without strict compliance with the international human rights standards, including necessity and proportionality is an arbitrary deprivation of life and therefore illegal.”

SERAP said the Nigerian government has a responsibility to establish what happened, protect peaceful protesters and provide remedies where violations are established.

“The Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to establish the truth, protect the right to peaceful protest, ensure accountability for unlawful conduct and provide effective remedies to victims and their families.”

Minna protests raise fresh questions

The deaths in NSCDC custody were followed by protests in Minna, with SERAP saying security forces reportedly deployed tear gas and opened fire as demonstrations continued.

The organisation noted that reports differed over the ammunition allegedly used.

“There are reports that security forces responded with live ammunition, while other reporting said the precise type of ammunition used was not immediately established.”

SERAP said the circumstances of any deaths or injuries during the protests must also be independently investigated.

Its message was blunt:

“The answer to deaths in custody cannot be more deaths on the streets.”

The organisation also referred to a 2022 communication by UN Special Procedures mandate holders concerning the #EndSARS protests, in which the mandate holders expressed concern about the reported use of lethal force against protesters.

“We are troubled by the reported use of lethal force against unarmed protesters.”

The UN mandate holders had also stated that:

“any loss of life that results from the excessive use of force without strict compliance with the principles of necessity and proportionality is an arbitrary deprivation of life and therefore illegal.”

What SERAP wants the UN to demand

SERAP is asking the UN Special Rapporteurs to seek detailed information from the Nigerian government on the circumstances and causes of the 37 deaths, the conditions in which the detainees were held, the medical care they received and the legal basis for their arrest and detention.

It is also seeking information on the number and status of protesters reportedly killed or injured during the Minna demonstrations.

The organisation wants an investigation conducted by a body independent of any security agency implicated in the alleged violations, with the findings made public.

SERAP is also calling for the preservation of physical, documentary, digital, medical and forensic evidence connected to the deaths and protests.

It wants families of those who died or were injured to have access to relevant information and is calling for accountability and appropriate remedies, including compensation, where unlawful conduct is established.

The organisation further urged the government to protect protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, witnesses and victims’ relatives from intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest or reprisals.

It also called for measures to prevent similar incidents, including improved training, clearer operational rules, command accountability and independent oversight of the NSCDC and other law enforcement agencies.

For now, the key issue remains the same: what happened to the 37 people who died in NSCDC custody, and what happened on the streets of Minna after their deaths?

SERAP wants the answers established through an independent, impartial and transparent investigation.