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Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he took part in high-level discussions on Nigeria’s interests, global cooperation and reforms to the international system.
Shettima arrived back in the country on Monday, September 28, following several days of diplomatic engagements at the United Nations headquarters and meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly. His return was reported after he had spent the previous week representing Nigeria at one of the most significant annual gatherings of world leaders.
President Tinubu had mandated the Vice President to represent him at UNGA 81 and lead Nigeria’s delegation. The delegation included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UN General Assembly was held in New York from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The theme placed particular attention on rebuilding confidence in multilateral institutions while addressing the political, economic, environmental and security challenges confronting countries around the world.
Shettima’s assignment in New York went beyond simply attending the General Assembly. He was expected to present Nigeria’s position on major international issues and communicate the priorities of the Tinubu administration to the international community.
Among the issues highlighted ahead of his participation were national development, peace and security, economic growth, sustainable development, climate action and international cooperation. Nigeria also used the gathering to renew its call for reforms to global institutions, particularly reforms that would give greater consideration to contemporary economic and demographic realities.
Upon arriving in New York, Shettima said Nigeria’s engagement would be guided by the country’s national interest and its commitment to multilateralism. He also said the country would use the opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s position on reforming international institutions.
That position has been part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic argument that global institutions should better reflect the realities of the present world, including changes in population, economic influence and the distribution of global power.
The Vice President subsequently joined other world leaders and heads of delegation at the opening of the General Debate. He also participated in meetings and side events dealing with issues of direct relevance to Nigeria and Africa.
One of the notable areas of discussion during his visit was Africa’s mineral resources. At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Shettima called for stronger continental cooperation to move Africa away from simply exporting raw minerals.
He argued that the continent’s vast mineral resources should be used to promote local processing, manufacturing, job creation and industrial development rather than leaving African countries primarily as suppliers of unprocessed raw materials.
The position fits into Nigeria’s wider push for greater economic value from its natural resources and increased industrialisation across the continent. Shettima urged African countries to cooperate in developing value chains around critical minerals and ensure that mineral wealth contributes more directly to economic opportunities and improved living standards.
Education and human capital development also featured prominently during the UNGA week. Nigeria and Italy announced cooperation around a major global education funding initiative, with the discussions reflecting the Federal Government’s emphasis on education, skills and capacity building as part of its development agenda.
The Vice President also participated in engagements aimed at promoting Nigeria’s workforce and connecting Nigerian talent with opportunities in the international labour market. A Federal Government and private-sector initiative at the margins of the General Assembly sought to promote Nigeria’s workforce to global employers.
Beyond formal sessions at the United Nations, the UNGA provides an important platform for countries to hold bilateral meetings and develop relationships with governments, international organisations, financial institutions and private-sector actors.
For Nigeria, these side meetings form part of the country’s economic diplomacy, particularly efforts to attract investment, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, climate finance, infrastructure, development financing and technology.
The Presidency had earlier said Shettima would use the visit to strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships and advance the country’s interests on issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
His return to Nigeria therefore marks the end of another major international assignment for the Vice President, who has represented President Tinubu at several high-level international engagements in recent months.
The UNGA trip came shortly after Shettima returned from India, where he had represented Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. During that visit, he held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participated in efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and India, including investment and trade opportunities.
The Vice President’s return also comes against the background of President Tinubu’s continued stay abroad. The State House had announced on September 21 that the President’s working vacation had been extended by a few days. According to the Presidency, Tinubu had remained in contact with Nigeria and continued directing the affairs of government while abroad.
The Presidency had specifically stated that Shettima’s representation at the United Nations was part of the arrangements made while Tinubu was away. The Vice President was given the mandate to present Nigeria’s national statement and participate in the high-level meetings scheduled during the UNGA week.
The Vice President’s presence in New York consequently placed him at the centre of Nigeria’s official representation during the General Assembly, with the responsibility of articulating the country’s position before an international audience.
His national statement and other engagements provided opportunities for Nigeria to outline its priorities and reinforce its diplomatic positions on issues affecting both the country and the wider African continent.
For Nigeria, participation in the United Nations General Assembly remains an important avenue for maintaining diplomatic relationships and making the country’s position known on matters that extend beyond its borders.
The return of the Vice President now brings his latest international assignment to a close. Attention will turn back to his domestic responsibilities and the Federal Government’s ongoing programmes and engagements as he resumes activities in Nigeria.
The UNGA trip may have lasted only several days, but the issues discussed in New York — from global institutional reform and climate action to investment, education, security and Africa’s mineral resources — are matters that extend well beyond the annual gathering.
As the Federal Government continues its diplomatic and economic engagements with international partners, the administration will be expected to translate such discussions into concrete partnerships and opportunities for Nigeria.
For now, Shettima is back in Nigeria after completing the assignment entrusted to him: representing President Tinubu and leading the Nigerian delegation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
