By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which runs from Monday, September 22, to Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the high-level general debate, announce the country’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and participate in several bilateral meetings and side events, including the Global Champions Roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing.

He was received at the John F. Kennedy International Airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji; Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, and other senior officials.

Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities at this year’s Assembly, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed the country’s commitment to effective multilateralism and reforms of the global financial system. He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in championing the UN Global Convention on Taxation, describing it as crucial to building a fairer international financial architecture.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Tuggar also emphasized the need for Nigeria’s sustained push to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, in line with Africa’s common position through the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

He added that Africa must secure at least two permanent seats on the Council and pointed to Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. Tuggar further reiterated Nigeria’s stance on conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan, noting that Shettima will meet with the Sudanese Prime Minister and attend the African Union Peace and Security Council session.

Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, a member of the delegation, said Nigeria’s participation in UNGA 80 would further position the country as a leading investment destination, citing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education.

The week-long UNGA 80, marking the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, will focus on global security, climate action, sustainable development, and financing for development.