Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), which runs from Monday, September 22, to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Shettima leads the Nigerian delegation at this year’s high-level meetings, where he is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, unveil the country’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and participate in critical side events and bilateral engagements.
High-Level Engagements and Strategic Priorities
According to the Office of the Vice President, Shettima will address the UNGA General Debate later this week and participate in key side events, including the Global Champions Roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing.
The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, UN officials, and heads of multinational institutions, as part of Nigeria’s push for greater global partnerships on climate action, economic recovery, and peacekeeping.
Shettima Welcomed by Top Nigerian Officials in U.S.
Upon his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Shettima was received by:
- Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Defence
- Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
- Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN
- Other senior diplomatic and government officials
Nigeria’s Focus at UNGA 80: Global Reforms and Africa’s Voice
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, speaking on Nigeria’s priorities, said the country is pushing for effective multilateralism, reform of global financial systems, and an inclusive international tax regime.
“Nigeria is championing the UN Global Convention on Taxation, a key instrument in building a fairer international financial architecture,” Tuggar said in a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
He also emphasized Nigeria’s role in the campaign for Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council, aligned with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
“Africa deserves at least two permanent seats on the Security Council. Nigeria’s leadership role in UN peacekeeping and regional diplomacy makes it a prime candidate,” Tuggar added.
Regional Peace and Security: Nigeria to Meet Sudanese PM
The Vice President will also participate in the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) meeting on the sidelines of UNGA, and is scheduled to hold talks with the Prime Minister of Sudan, amid ongoing efforts to resolve the humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
Nigeria is expected to reiterate its positions on:
- The Gaza conflict
- The crisis in Eastern Congo
- Ongoing instability in Sudan
