Vice-President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, representing President Bola Tinubu at the high-level General Debate.
Nigeria is fourth on Thursday afternoon’s provisional speakers’ list. The session starts at 3pm New York time, with Shettima expected to speak between 4pm and 4:30pm, or 9pm to 9:30pm Nigerian time.
Tinubu directed Shettima on Sunday, September 20, to lead Nigeria’s delegation after the President was initially scheduled to address the General Debate on Wednesday morning.
Thursday’s appearance will be Shettima’s third consecutive representation of Nigeria at the General Debate. He delivered the national statement in 2024 and 2025, while Tinubu addressed the 78th session in 2023.
READ ALSO: 81st UNGA: Shettima Arrives New York, Vows To Advance Nigeria’s Interest
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday, September 21, ahead of a programme that includes high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners.
His delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior officials.
The 81st General Debate opens on Tuesday, September 22, and runs until Saturday, September 26, before resuming on Monday, September 28.
The session is themed, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all,” and brings together representatives of the UN’s 193 member states to set out national priorities on global issues.