Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins Monday and runs until September 28.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debate, unveil the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and join various side events, bilateral meetings, and roundtable discussions.
Tinubu had been scheduled to address the 80th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. A revised provisional list of speakers indicated that he was set to speak on the second day of the event. His address was slated for the afternoon session at about 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), where he would have been the 17th world leader to speak that day.
On arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Vice President was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar; and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje.
Others present to receive him included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York, Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso; and Defence Attaché in Washington, Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
Outlining Nigeria’s priorities for UNGA 80, Tuggar said the country would continue advocating for the adoption of a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and for Africa’s inclusion on the UN Security Council.
“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” he said. “We also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the Security Council, because Africa has a common position, the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that calls for at least two permanent seats.”
He further stated that Nigeria would reaffirm its commitment to peacekeeping contributions and address global conflicts, including the crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State noted that Nigeria’s participation at the UNGA would reinforce its reputation as a leading African economy and investment destination.
“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” the governor said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, added that Nigeria would also use the forum to showcase investment opportunities and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she said. “It is to show the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on where we are headed.”
Shettima is also scheduled to attend the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and hold talks with the Prime Minister of Sudan, alongside other high-level engagements.
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