Shettima Returns from UN General Assembly, Pushes Nigeria’s Agenda on Global Reforms and Development

BY TAIBAT UMMI YAKUBU

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, where he advanced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s positions on global governance reforms, education financing, economic development and regional cooperation.

Shettima travelled to the United States on September 20 on the directive of President Tinubu to represent Nigeria at the annual gathering of world leaders, policymakers and international organisations.

One of the highlights of his participation was the delivery of Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, where he conveyed President Tinubu’s call for sweeping reforms within the international system. The Nigerian delegation renewed its demand for a restructured United Nations Security Council that would grant Africa permanent representation, while also advocating fairer access to global financing, stronger support for climate-related challenges and enhanced multilateral cooperation.

The Vice President also took part in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where Nigeria urged African nations to maximise the value of their natural resources by prioritising local processing and manufacturing instead of relying largely on the export of raw minerals.

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At a major education financing forum jointly hosted by Nigeria and Italy, Shettima reaffirmed the country’s commitment to investing in education as a key driver of economic growth and national prosperity. He also backed the Global Partnership for Education’s campaign to mobilise $5 billion in funding aimed at improving educational opportunities worldwide.

During the visit, the Vice President engaged with members of the Nigerian Diaspora, highlighting their growing importance to the nation’s development through investments, professional expertise and international networks.

His schedule also included meetings with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. Discussions focused on development financing, regional integration, economic partnerships, technological advancement, peace and security across West Africa and beyond.

The engagements provided another platform for Nigeria to reinforce President Tinubu’s vision of a more inclusive and equitable global system, while promoting stronger international partnerships to address shared economic and security challenges.