Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Nigeria for New York, United States, to represent his principal Bola Ahmed Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The State House disclosed this in a statement on Sunday signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, Tinubu mandated Shettima to represent him at the annual high-level gathering of world leaders.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
He will lead a delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is also expected to participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.
The State House said he would attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The engagements are expected to focus on Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and strengthening strategic partnerships, particularly on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima’s departure follows a report by SaharaReporters on Friday that Tinubu would not attend the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
A source close to the Presidency had told a news platfrom that Tinubu would not attend the gathering, despite earlier indications that he was scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Shettima previously represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th UN General Assemblies in 2024 and 2025 respectively, delivering Nigeria’s national statements at both sessions.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.
