VICE-PRESIDENT Kashim Shettima will once again represent President Bola Tinubu at the United Nations General Assembly, as he leads Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the global body in New York.
The assignment will be Shettima’s third consecutive time heading Nigeria’s delegation to the annual UN gathering, having represented the country at the 2024 and 2025 sessions.
Vice-President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, announced the development in a statement on Sunday, saying Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the 81st UNGA.
The Nigerian delegation will comprise Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national address during the high-level general debate, where he is expected to outline the country’s positions on global issues with implications for its economy, security, development and international relations.
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His schedule will also include high-level engagements on the right to development, climate action and other issues affecting Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is expected to use the sidelines of the assembly for bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The presidency said the meetings would support Nigeria’s efforts to deepen strategic partnerships and promote its interests in areas including economic diplomacy, reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development and climate finance.
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Shettima will also attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is taking place under the theme, ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.’ Its high-level general debate will run from September 22 to 28, 2026.
Shettima’s latest assignment means Tinubu will not personally attend the UNGA this year. The president last participated in the gathering in 2023.
The vice-president delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 79th UNGA in 2024 and repeated the assignment at the 80th session in 2025.
This year’s delegation is expected to combine Nigeria’s participation in the multilateral discussions with bilateral engagements aimed at advancing the country’s diplomatic, economic and development interests.
