Vice President Kashim Shettima has touched down in New York for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to run from September 22 to 28.
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will deliver Nigeria’s national address, present new climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, and participate in bilateral meetings, high-level roundtables, and the African Union Peace and Security Council session.
President Tinubu had been expected to speak during the second day of the General Debate, according to the updated list of speakers. His slot was scheduled for about 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. in Nigeria).
Upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Shettima was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Ambassador Samson Itegboje. Other officials present were Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Brigadier General Edward Koleoso, Defence Attaché in New York; and Group Captain Sani Kalgo, Defence Attaché in Washington.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s advocacy for a Global Convention on Taxation under the United Nations and Africa’s rightful place at the 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.”
The envoy stressed that Nigeria will also reinforce its peacekeeping contributions and call for solutions to conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State explained that Nigeria’s voice at the assembly would strengthen investor confidence.
“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” he said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
Industry, Trade, and Investment Minister, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, disclosed that Nigeria Investment Day will spotlight the country’s reforms in mining, technology, and telecommunications.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day,” she noted. “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 will also meet the Sudanese Prime Minister during the assembly as part of regional peace discussions.
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