By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. He represented President Bola Tinubu at the opening of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, UNGA. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima Represents Tinubu at UNGA
Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level gathering in New York.
He also attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The event brought together Heads of Delegation and their spouses.
The Vice President later entered the General Assembly Hall with three Nigerian governors.
They included Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.
Nigeria’s delegation also included senior government officials and diplomats.
They included Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, also attended.
Nigeria’s Statement Comes Thursday
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday, September 24.
The State House confirmed that he will represent President Tinubu at the global conference.
His address will outline Nigeria’s positions on major international issues.
It will also highlight President Tinubu’s priorities for international institutional reform.
Other areas include sustainable development, peace, security and climate action.
Nigeria is also seeking a more equitable global economic order.
The UN General Debate brings national leaders together to discuss major global challenges.
Shettima Advocates Africa’s Mineral Value Addition
Earlier, Shettima represented Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
He called for stronger continental action to reduce Africa’s dependence on raw mineral exports.
According to Shettima, African countries should build processing and manufacturing industries around their mineral resources.
He said the continent’s mineral wealth should create jobs and support industrial growth.
It should also improve living standards across African countries.
The Vice President urged African nations to strengthen cooperation in developing their mineral resources.
He warned against competition through concessions that could reduce the value of Africa’s resources.
VP to Hold More High-Level Engagements
Shettima also made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.
Governors, ministers, presidential aides and other Nigerian delegates accompanied him.
Meanwhile, the Vice President will participate in more high-level and bilateral meetings.
These engagements will focus on Nigeria’s national interests and international partnerships.
The UN General Debate continues through September 26 before resuming on September 28.
