By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria will be guided by its national interest and commitment to multilateralism as it engages world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Shettima made the declaration on Monday, 21 September, 2026, shortly after arriving in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level gathering.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the statement, Shettima explained that Nigeria would also advance President Tinubu’s call for reforms to global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” he said.
The Vice President added that Nigeria would engage its international partners from the standpoint of the country’s national interest, while advocating a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.
The statement noted that the 81st UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 26 and September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York, under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions on international issues relating to peace and security, development, economic growth and global cooperation.
He is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
According to the State House, Nigeria will use the engagements to advance its positions on the reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
Shettima arrived in New York alongside the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara; the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials.
Those who received him in New York included the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The United Nations says the General Debate provides an opportunity for heads of state, government and other high-level representatives to outline their positions and priorities on global challenges.
