Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after a series of diplomatic engagements at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and presented Nigeria’s positions on global governance reform, development financing, regional integration, education and Africa’s economic transformation. Shettima, who departed Abuja on September 20, led Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering on the mandate of President Tinubu.
His return and the major engagements undertaken by the Nigerian delegation were disclosed in a statement issued on September 28, 2026, by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
At the centre of Nigeria’s participation at the General Assembly was a renewed demand for a more representative international system, particularly reform of the United Nations Security Council to give Africa permanent representation. Delivering President Tinubu’s National Statement during the General Debate, Shettima presented Nigeria’s case for fairer global financing, increased support for climate action and stronger multilateral cooperation in addressing challenges confronting developing countries. Nigeria’s position at the gathering reflected its broader argument that the structure of international decision making should respond more effectively to contemporary global realities and provide Africa with a stronger voice in decisions affecting the continent.
Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President participated in the Third High Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where Nigeria called for a fundamental shift in the management of Africa’s mineral resources. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Shettima urged African countries to move beyond the traditional model of exporting raw minerals and instead build domestic capacity for processing, manufacturing and value addition. The position reflected Nigeria’s push for African countries to derive greater economic benefits from their natural resources by developing industries and creating jobs within the continent rather than remaining principally suppliers of raw materials to foreign markets.
Education financing also featured prominently in Shettima’s engagements in New York. At a high level education financing event jointly hosted by Nigeria and Italy, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to education as an important driver of productivity, human capital development and long term economic prosperity. Nigeria also backed the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign as part of wider international efforts to expand access to education.
Shettima separately engaged Nigerians living abroad, stressing the importance of the Diaspora to the country’s development. He highlighted the potential contributions of Nigerians overseas through investment, professional expertise, international networks and other resources capable of supporting national economic development. Regional stability and integration were also on the agenda as the Vice President held discussions with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission. During the engagement, Nigeria emphasized the importance of greater cooperation and stronger integration across West Africa as the region confronts security, political and economic challenges.
Shettima also met with United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina J. Mohammed as part of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Across the different meetings, the Vice President advanced Nigeria’s positions on economic cooperation, development financing, technology, regional integration, peace and security. He also reiterated President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries, particularly African nations, a more meaningful role in international decision making.
The engagements provided the Nigerian delegation with an opportunity to present the country’s priorities to international partners while strengthening conversations around investment, education, regional cooperation and Africa’s economic development. With the conclusion of the UNGA 81 engagements in New York, Shettima has returned to Nigeria to resume his official responsibilities.
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