Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, where the country intends to renew its campaign for permanent representation on the UN Security Council. Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the gathering and is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate on Thursday afternoon.
The Nigerian government’s agenda for UNGA81 includes advocating for broader UN reforms, stronger development outcomes for developing nations, and increased international investment in Nigeria. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that Shettima would communicate President Tinubu’s positions across several high-level forums, emphasizing the country’s longstanding push for a permanent African seat on the Security Council.
Nigeria has consistently argued that Africa’s absence from permanent membership on the 15-member council represents a major imbalance in global governance. The council currently comprises five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—each holding veto power. Despite comprising 54 UN Member States and accounting for a substantial share of issues considered by the council, Africa holds no permanent seat. Nigerian officials maintain that reforms should reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and grant Africa greater participation in decisions affecting international peace and security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, briefed Shettima on the country’s strategic priorities and expectations for the session. According to Nkwocha, the delegation will build on positions advanced during previous UN engagements, focusing on making multilateralism more responsive to the needs of developing countries.
“The Vice-President will, at all the forums, present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” Nkwocha said.
Beyond security reform, Amb. Ibrahim stated that Nigeria’s participation would focus on ensuring that multilateral institutions translate policies and resources into measurable improvements for member states and their citizens. The delegation is expected to engage strategically with governments, international organizations, businesses, and development partners throughout the high-level week to promote key economic sectors, including solid minerals, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
Shettima’s address during the General Debate is expected to articulate Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, sustainable development, global financial reform, climate action, and multilateral cooperation. Nigeria is scheduled to speak fourth during the Thursday afternoon session of the General Assembly.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
