By Samuel Olusegun Precious
Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday, September 24.
According to an updated provisional speakers list released by the UN, Nigeria is slated as the fourth speaker during the afternoon session of the General Debate. The session commences at 3:00 p.m. New York time (8:00 p.m. WAT), with Shettima expected to address the assembly between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. (9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. WAT).
President Bola Tinubu, who was originally listed to speak on Wednesday morning, directed the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering for the third consecutive year. Shettima previously represented the President at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that Shettima’s address will articulate Nigeria’s stance on key international issues, including global multilateralism, climate finance, and reforms within the UN and global financial architecture.
Shettima arrived in New York leading a delegation that included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, alongside other senior government representatives.
In a statement following his arrival, Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation while calling for structural changes in global governance institutions.
“Our message in New York is clear,” Shettima said. “Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today.”
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
