Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Nigeria for New York, United States, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Shettima’s trip comes ahead of the high-level General Debate of the 81st UNGA, scheduled to take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from September 22 to 28, 2026.
The United Nations has confirmed that the 81st session is being held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The General Debate will provide an opportunity for heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives to present their countries’ positions on major international issues.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, President Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him at the annual gathering.
The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, presenting the country’s positions and priorities on issues of national, regional and international importance.
Shettima’s address is expected to touch on areas including Nigeria’s development agenda, peace and security, economic growth, international cooperation and issues affecting Africa’s relationship with the wider international community.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying the Vice President includes Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials. The delegation is expected to participate in various official engagements during the high-level week.
Beyond the General Debate, Shettima is scheduled to participate in several high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements during his stay in New York.
One of the issues on the agenda is the Right to Development. The United Nations has scheduled a high-level meeting on September 23 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. A separate high-level meeting on climate action and the just transition is also scheduled for the same day.
Other major events during the UNGA high-level week include a meeting on sea-level rise on September 24 and a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on September 25.
The General Debate itself will take place from September 22 to 26 and continue on September 28, according to the United Nations’ official programme.
The Presidency said Shettima will also attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, representatives of international organisations and development partners.
The bilateral discussions are expected to provide an avenue for Nigeria to pursue diplomatic and economic interests while strengthening relationships with governments and international institutions.
According to the statement from the Vice President’s office, Nigeria’s engagements will focus, among other areas, on economic diplomacy, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
The United Nations has identified the 81st session as a period for renewed international cooperation amid challenges including conflicts, inequality, climate emergencies and declining trust in multilateral institutions. The programme of the General Assembly presidency is built around several interconnected priorities, including peace, development, climate action, human rights and strengthening confidence in the multilateral system.
Shettima’s latest assignment also means he will once again represent President Tinubu at the UN General Assembly. Reports indicate that the Vice President previously represented the President at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UNGA in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
During those appearances, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statements at the General Debate, making his participation in the 81st session another major international assignment for the Vice President.
The development follows earlier reports that President Tinubu would not personally attend this year’s General Assembly in New York. The latest announcement from the Presidency formally establishes Shettima as the leader of Nigeria’s delegation for the 81st session.
Nigeria’s presence at the UNGA comes as countries prepare to discuss a broad range of international challenges and opportunities. The General Assembly remains the United Nations’ principal forum for multilateral deliberations, with all 193 UN member states represented and entitled to participate in its work.
For Nigeria, Shettima’s participation is expected to combine the delivery of the country’s official statement with diplomatic meetings aimed at advancing national interests on economic development, financing, climate-related issues, security and international partnerships.
The Vice President is expected to conclude his official engagements in New York before returning to Nigeria.