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Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Shettima departed Abuja on September 20, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that he represent the President at the annual global gathering.
During the visit, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for comprehensive reforms to the United Nations Security Council.
Nigeria advocated permanent African representation on the Council, alongside fairer global financing, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation.
At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s position that African countries must move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead prioritise local processing, manufacturing and value addition.
The Vice President also participated in a high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening education and expressed support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing campaign.
Shettima described education as a critical investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.
During the trip, the Vice President also engaged with Nigerians in the Diaspora, highlighting the important role of their investments, expertise and networks in Nigeria’s development.
He further held high-level meetings with the new leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
The engagements focused on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security.
The Vice President’s return marks the conclusion of Nigeria’s participation in the high-level diplomatic engagements surrounding the 81st UN General Assembly.