81st UNGA: Shettima Arrives in New York, Flags Off Tinubu’s Global Governance Reform Agenda

NEW YORK— Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to lead Nigeria’s high-powered delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Vice President landed in the United States alongside a contingent of top state executives and cabinet members. His arrival signals the commencement of an aggressive diplomatic push centered on national interest, multilateralism, and institutional reforms.

Demanding Global Equity

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Senator Shettima stated that Nigeria’s engagements during the global gathering will directly reflect President Tinubu’s consistent advocacy for the restructuring of global entities. He argued that current international systems must change to mirror modern economic and demographic weights.

“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,” Shettima declared.

He further noted that Nigeria will engage global partners firmly to advance a system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.

VP Shettima arrived in the company of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and was received by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu.

Nigeria’s UNGA Agenda

During the high-level General Debate, Vice President Shettima is slated to deliver Nigeria’s national statement. The address will outline the country’s stance on international peace, security, economic growth, and global cooperation.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the Nigerian delegation will participate in high-level bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organizations, and key development partners. Nigeria’s primary advocacy focus during these sessions will target five critical sectors, such as global financing reform to restructure the international financial architecture, secure partnerships for sustainable economic growth, and pursue climate financing initiatives to drive access to equitable green funds for developing nations.

VP Shettima will also engage in discussions for technology access to bridge the digital divide through global cooperation and advocate for a stronger, permanent voice for Africa in global decision-making organs.