Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after leading the country’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
Mr Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the high-level gathering after departing Abuja on 20 September with a mandate to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
During the week-long engagements, Mr Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate.
Nigeria renewed its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, including permanent representation for Africa.
The President also called for stronger international cooperation, fairer access to global financing and increased support for developing countries on climate and development issues.
Africa’s minerals strategy
Mr Shettima also participated in the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.
The engagement focused on the need for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals by increasing local processing, manufacturing and value addition.
President Tinubu had urged African countries to use their mineral resources to promote industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen their economies.
Education financing
The Vice President participated in a high-level event on education financing co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy.
Mr Shettima reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that education should be treated as an investment in productivity, human capital development and national prosperity.
He also expressed Nigeria’s support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign.
Engagement with Nigerians in diaspora
Mr Shettima also met with Nigerians living abroad during his visit to New York.
The meeting focused on the contribution of Nigerians in the diaspora to national development through investment, expertise, professional networks and other forms of engagement.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of maintaining strong links between Nigerians abroad and the country.
The UNGA visit also provided an opportunity for Nigeria to engage with international partners on issues including peace and security, economic development, climate action, sustainable development and reforms to global institutions.
Before his departure for New York, Mr Shettima said Nigeria’s engagements would be guided by the national interest and reiterated the government’s commitment to multilateral cooperation.
The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
With his UNGA engagements concluded, Mr Shettima has returned to Nigeria to continue his official duties.
His return comes as President Tinubu is also expected back in the country following an extended stay in Europe.
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