Shettima returns to Abuja after representing Nigeria at 81st UNGA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Shettima arrived back in the country after an eight-day diplomatic trip to the United States that began on September 20.

The Vice President delivered Nigeria’s official address at the General Debate, where he pushed for reforms inside the UN Security Council, calling for permanent representation for African nations, fair international financing options, and global action on climate change.

Shettima advocated for economic changes across the continent during the Africa Minerals Strategy Group roundtable. He urged African countries to move away from simply exporting raw minerals and start focusing on local processing, manufacturing, and value addition to boost their economies.

Shettima, during a session with Italian leaders, reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing drive, stressing that investing in young people remains essential for national productivity.

Before wrapping up his trip, the Vice President met with members of the Nigerian diaspora to discuss investment opportunities back home. He also held bilateral talks with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.