Nigeria – Shettima Returns To Nigeria After Representing Tinubu At UN General Assembly

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima returned to Abuja on Sunday after attending the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recall that African Culture TV reported that Shettima’s participation in the global event comes as Tinubu remained in Nigeria to address pressing domestic matters.

In a statement released by Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, it was noted that the Vice President delivered Nigeria’s National Statement during the General Debate, in which he presented the country’s key positions on global issues.

During his time at UNGA, Shettima also held several bilateral meetings and attended multiple sideline events aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.

Shettima’s return coincides with preparations for Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary celebrations. According to Nkwocha, Shettima will join President Tinubu in marking several events planned as part of the national commemoration.

During his address at the General Debate, President Tinubu—represented by Shettima—urged world leaders to prioritize debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing countries, particularly from multilateral financial institutions and creditors.

He stressed that without such relief, nations in the Global South would struggle to make meaningful economic progress.

Tinubu also called on the United Nations to deepen multilateral relations among member states, emphasizing the principles of inclusivity, equality, and cooperation.

As Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu’s message underscored the need for global unity in tackling economic and political challenges.

Additionally, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international partnerships.

Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) on the sidelines of the UNGA, Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s solidarity with member states as they face shared global challenges.

He reaffirmed the country’s dedication to the goals of the OACPS while addressing national concerns.