President Bola 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.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The 81st UNGA General Debate will hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

At the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.

Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

According to the Presidency, the engagements will provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York. (AriseNews TV)