Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Mission to 81st UNGA Kicking Off Tomorrow in New York

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which begins in New York tomorrow. Shettima will be accompanied by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, along with other high-ranking government officials.

The UNGA General Debate will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, with the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." During the debate, Shettima will present Nigeria's national statement, addressing key global issues that impact national development, peace, security, economic growth, and international cooperation.

In addition to delivering the national statement, Shettima will attend high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action, and other matters of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent. He will also participate in bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries, international organizations, and development partners.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and North-West Governors' Forum Chairman Dikko Umaru Radda are also in New York, promoting their respective states' agendas. Sanwo-Olu, who has been attending the UNGA since last week, has engaged in critical meetings across several U.S. states, including California, where he signed bilateral understandings on shared prosperity.

Radda will lead the governors from the seven North-West states to present the North-West Governors' Forum's Peace, Security, and Development Framework 2026-2030 at a side event. The framework aims to foster regional cooperation on peace, security, resilience, and development. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned President Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA, raising concerns about the implications for Nigeria's international relations.