Vice President Kashim Shettima welcomed at JFK Airport, New York, ahead of the 80th UN General Assembly where Nigeria will press for UN reforms and promote investment opportunities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York on Sunday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which runs from September 22 to 28.
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debate, unveil the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement, and attend bilateral meetings, side events, and investment-focused roundtables.
Welcoming the Vice President at John F. Kennedy International Airport were top Nigerian officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, and Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje. Also present were Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, Defence Attaché in New York Brig.-Gen. Edward Koleoso, and Defence Attaché in Washington Group Capt. Sani Kalgo.
Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities at UNGA 80, Tuggar stressed the country’s commitment to driving a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation and securing Africa’s representation on the UN Security Council.
“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” Tuggar 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 crises, including conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan.
“We are looking at areas of strength such as solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education,” he said. “The Vice President’s presentation on Wednesday will further reposition Nigeria as Africa’s leading economy.”
Similarly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, said the platform would spotlight investment opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“On Monday, we are hosting Nigeria Investment Day, highlighting solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology,” she explained. “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.”
Beyond economic diplomacy, Shettima is also scheduled to attend the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting and meet with the Prime Minister of Sudan, alongside other high-level engagements.
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