President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
The high-level delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on key global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President will also participate in several high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements focused on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.
Shettima is further expected to attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
According to the State House, the engagements are expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance President Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reforms to the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.
The statement was signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, on September 20, 2026.

