Vice President Kashim Shettima left Abuja for New York, United States of America, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. The high-profile event, which involves world leaders, diplomats, and policymakers, will take place from Monday, September 22 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The Vice President will be opening in reading Nigeria’s statement on key issues of international interest, it is stated in a statement by his press agent, Stanley Nkwocha. He will make the nation’s national statement on Wednesday, September 24 when the General Debate is ongoing during which member states traditionally have the chance to address their interests and concerns to the world.
Nigeria will have critical presentations during UNGA this year, and that is on climate action. Shettima will launch Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement at a side event arranged by the UN Secretary-General. The new commitments will feature Nigeria’s efforts to combat greenhouse gas emissions, shift to renewable energy, and address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Besides matters of climate, the Vice President’s schedule involves participation in the high-level roundtable of the Global Champions on Adequate and Affordable Housing convened by the President of Kenya. The forum will address the issue of affordable housing as a matter of paramount importance, particularly in developing nations that undergo urbanization and population growth at a faster rate.
Shettima will also hold some bilateral meetings on the margins of UNGA, where there is sure to be focus on trade, cooperation on security, economic investment, and partnerships for development.
The fact that the Vice President is attending the Assembly reinforces President Tinubu’s instruction that Nigeria is more engaged and visible in global governance when global attention is clearly focused on security, energy transition, and fair development.
At the end of his New York operations, Shettima will then proceed to Frankfurt, Germany, for a meeting with Deutsche Bank officials to examine finance prospects that can assist in financing Nigeria’s economic agenda. He will then proceed back home.
The current UNGA session this year is especially symbolic as it marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, presenting member states with a chance to reflect and think about what role the organization has played toward guaranteeing peace, multilateralism, and sustainable development in the world as it evolves.
