Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which begins on Monday and runs until Sept. 28.
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu, will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debates, announce the country’s new Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and participate in a series of side events, bilateral meetings, and roundtables.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu was scheduled to address the 80th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York. A revised provisional list of speakers showed that Tinubu was to speak on the second day of the event. He was scheduled to deliver his address during the afternoon session, around 8:30 p.m. local time (approximately 2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), and would have been the 17th world leader to speak on day two of the general debate.
On arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Vice President was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje.
Others on hand to welcome him included the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in New York, Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso, and Defence Attaché in Washington, Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
Highlighting Nigeria’s priorities for UNGA 80, Tuggar said the country would continue to push for the adoption of a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and for Africa’s representation on the UN Security Council.
“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” he said. “We also promote Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the Security Council, because Africa has a common position, the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, that calls for at least two permanent seats.”
He added that Nigeria would also reiterate its stance on peacekeeping contributions and global conflicts, including the crises in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said Nigeria’s presence at the UNGA would further strengthen its image as a leading African economy and investment hub.
“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” the governor said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, noted that Nigeria would also use the platform to promote investment opportunities and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she said. “It is to show the reforms the Nigerian economy has undergone in the last two years and to engage our partners on where we are headed.”
Shettima will also participate in the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and meet with the Prime Minister of Sudan, among other high-level engagements.
NAN
