President Bola Tinubu has once again designated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The high-level gathering, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the UNGA, will host world leaders beginning Monday. Shettima is scheduled to participate in the general debate from Tuesday, September 23, through Sunday, September 28, delivering Nigeria’s national statement on September 24 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
In addition to presenting Nigeria’s position, the Vice President will attend the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit for Heads of State and Government, where Nigeria is expected to unveil updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. He will also join a roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing hosted by Kenya’s President and engage in bilateral meetings with international partners.
At last year’s UNGA, Shettima, representing Tinubu, urged debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing countries, stressing that unsustainable debt limited governments’ ability to meet citizens’ needs. He also pressed for reforms in the global financial system, fairer trade practices, and climate action. Tinubu had further highlighted how climate change was fueling insecurity in Nigeria, pointing to devastating floods that ravaged large regions of the country.
At UNGA79, Nigeria also demanded permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council and reaffirmed its dedication to democracy, peace, and the fight against terrorism.
Following his engagements in New York, Shettima is expected to travel to Frankfurt, Germany, for a meeting with officials of Deutsche Bank before returning to Nigeria.
