Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to 81st UNGA

By: Peter Emmanuel |

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, after Tinubu mandated him to represent the country at the high-level gathering.

Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

The Vice President’s participation will place Nigeria among countries presenting their national positions on major global issues during the annual gathering of world leaders and senior government officials.

Fubara, Lawal, Ministers, Senior Officials Join Delegation

The delegation includes Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, alongside ministers and other senior government officials.

The high-level delegation is expected to participate in meetings and engagements connected to Nigeria’s interests during the UNGA week.

The gathering will provide an avenue for Nigerian officials to engage with counterparts from other countries, international organisations and development partners on issues affecting Nigeria, Africa and the wider international community.

Shettima is also expected to attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The engagements are expected to provide opportunities for Nigeria to deepen strategic partnerships and advance areas of cooperation with other countries and international institutions.

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements in New York.

Shettima to Present Nigeria’s Position on Global Issues

At the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

He will also participate in high-level meetings focusing on issues including the Right to Development and climate action, as well as other matters of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.

The engagements will also provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance its economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships with countries and development institutions.

Discussions are expected to cover issues relating to the reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

Nigeria’s participation at the 81st UNGA will therefore include both the formal General Debate and a range of high-level engagements on issues connected to the country’s development priorities and international relations.

Shettima’s delegation is expected to use the meetings in New York to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with international partners while presenting the country’s priorities on global issues.