Reloaded News Desk
Vice President Kashim Shettima has delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-level General Debate.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu confirmed that Shettima delivered Nigeria’s statement during the ongoing General Debate, saying the country was fully represented by a delegation led by the Vice President.
Shettima’s appearance came as Nigeria used the UNGA platform to press for greater influence for developing countries in global decision-making, reforms to international institutions and stronger international cooperation on development, security and economic issues.
The Federal Government had said ahead of the address that Nigeria would use the gathering to advance President Tinubu’s position on reforming global institutions to make them more representative, equitable and responsive to present-day economic and demographic realities.
Nigeria’s wider engagement at the 81st UNGA has also focused on investment, critical minerals, education financing, migration, technology and development.
At a high-level Africa Minerals Strategy Group meeting in New York, Shettima called for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop processing and manufacturing industries that retain more value on the continent.
Nigeria has also joined Italy in a campaign seeking to mobilise $5 billion for global education financing, while Nigerian officials have been seeking stronger international partnerships in areas including mining, education and development finance.
The UN General Debate is being held from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Shettima’s appearance marks the third consecutive year he has represented Tinubu at the General Assembly. Tinubu personally attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, while Shettima represented him at the 79th and 80th sessions.
The Vice President’s presence also ensures that Nigeria has delivered its national statement at the high-level gathering despite the President’s absence from this year’s General Debate.
Further details of Shettima’s address, including Nigeria’s specific positions on global security, UN institutional reform, development financing, climate action and Africa’s representation in international decision-making, are expected to emerge from the full text of the statement.
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