Tinubu taps Shettima for high-stakes UNGA Mission in New York

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to hold in New York, United States, from Monday, September 22 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President will be leading the delegation on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The session is expected to attract global leaders as it marks the 80th anniversary of the UN. Senator Shettima is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events on Monday, September 22, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

He will also join other world leaders in the high-level general debates, taking place from September 23 to 28.

Nigeria’s national statement, on behalf of President Tinubu, will be delivered by the Vice President on Wednesday, September 24, between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. local time.

Beyond the debates, Shettima will participate in critical side events, including a special Climate Summit convened by the UN Secretary-General on September 24, where Nigeria is expected to unveil its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

On the same day, he is also scheduled to take part in a high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing, hosted by the President of Kenya.

Additionally, the Vice President will engage in bilateral meetings and other strategic events during the week-long summit.

After the UNGA, Senator Shettima will proceed to Frankfurt, Germany, for discussions with officials of Deutsche Bank before returning to Nigeria.

The 80th UN General Assembly is expected to focus on pressing global challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, peace and security, and equitable access to housing.

Nigeria’s active participation, led by the Vice President, signals the country’s continued commitment to multilateralism and its role in addressing international and domestic priorities.