Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria will prioritise its national interest and commitment to multilateralism as the country engages world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Shettima, who arrived in New York on Monday, is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level UN gathering.
The Vice President said Nigeria would use the global platform to advance Tinubu’s call for reforms to international institutions, particularly to ensure that they reflect current economic and demographic realities.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima said Nigeria remained committed to multilateral cooperation.
“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.
Shettima added that Nigeria would engage its international partners based on the country’s national interest while advocating greater opportunities and stronger representation for developing nations.
“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,” the Vice President stated.
Shettima to present Nigeria’s position at UNGAThe high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 26 and on September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York.
The theme of the session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions on global issues including peace and security, economic development, sustainable growth and international cooperation.
He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and participate in high-level engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
According to the State House, Nigeria will use the engagements to push its positions on reforms to the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and increased African representation in global decision-making.
Shettima arrives with senior officials
The Vice President arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials.
He was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The UN General Debate provides an avenue for heads of state, heads of government and other high-level representatives to present their countries’ positions and priorities on major global challenges.
