Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s engagements at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will be guided by the country’s national interest.
Shettima stated this shortly after arriving in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing UNGA session.
The vice president arrived alongside Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu’s advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
“Our message in New York is clear; Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable and responsive to the realities of today.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.
According to reports, Shettima was received on arrival in New York by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia; and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
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Others who received the vice president included Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim; and other diplomatic officials.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the general debate, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities.
He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the gathering.
NAN reports that Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to reinforce its position on reforms to the international financial architecture and sustainable development.
