Photo File: Vice President Kashim Shettima arrive in New York for 80th session UNGA. Photo credit: NAN

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), which begins Monday and runs through September 28.

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level General Debate, where he will also announce the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

In addition to his address, the Vice President will participate in a range of high-level engagements, including bilateral meetings, side events, roundtable discussions, and the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting. He is also scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister of Sudan.

President Tinubu had originally been scheduled to speak on the second day of the General Debate during the afternoon session, around 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), where he would have been the 17th speaker. However, Shettima is now standing in for the president.

On arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Shettima was received by several senior Nigerian officials, including 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 included 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.

Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities at this year’s General Assembly, Minister Tuggar highlighted the country’s push for a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council.

“This is something that has put Nigeria in a position of leadership,” Tuggar 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 added that Nigeria would also use the platform to reaffirm its commitment to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, with a focus on crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who is part of the delegation, said Nigeria’s participation at UNGA 80 would further enhance its image as a leading African economy and investment destination.

“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.”

Also commenting on the agenda, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, announced that Nigeria will host a special “Nigeria Investment Day” on Monday.

“We will be highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on the path ahead.”