By Ade Oyeyemi
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Shettima had left Abuja on September 20 to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level international meeting, where he participated in a series of diplomatic and economic engagements.
During the General Debate, the Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Tinubu.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said Nigeria used the gathering to renew its demand for changes to the structure of the United Nations Security Council.
The Federal Government also pushed for permanent African representation on the council, alongside calls for improved access to development financing, stronger climate support and deeper international cooperation.
Beyond the General Debate, Shettima participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where Nigeria advocated greater processing of the continent’s natural resources.
The administration’s position, according to the statement, is that African countries should reduce dependence on the export of raw minerals by investing more in processing, manufacturing and value addition.
Shettima also attended a high-level education financing meeting jointly organised by Nigeria and Italy, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to education and human capital development.
At the event, Nigeria backed the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign, with Shettima describing education as an important driver of productivity and national development.
The Vice President also met members of the Nigerian community in the United States and highlighted the importance of diaspora investments, expertise and international networks to Nigeria’s development.
His engagements further included meetings with the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed.
According to the statement, the meetings provided opportunities to discuss regional integration, economic cooperation, development financing, technology, peace and security.
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Shettima also reiterated President Tinubu’s call for a more representative global system and stronger African participation in international decision-making.
The Vice President’s return brings to an end his official engagements at the 81st UN General Assembly, where Nigeria participated in discussions on global governance, financing, climate action, education and regional cooperation.
