Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), where he will represent President Bola Tinubu. The Port City News earlier reported that Shettima departed Abuja on Sunday afternoon.
Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by several Nigerian government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
During a briefing, Ambassador Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s key objectives for the week-long summit. He stated that Nigeria is championing the United Nations Global Convention on Taxation, an initiative central to reforming the global financial system.
Tuggar also reiterated Nigeria’s push to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, citing a “common African position” that seeks a minimum of two permanent seats for the continent based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
In addition to these priorities, Shettima is scheduled to announce Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
He will also participate in a high-level roundtable on affordable housing, deliver Nigeria’s national statement, and engage in bilateral meetings with other global leaders, including the Prime Minister of Sudan.
Also see: Demand for Transparency in Rivers State Deal – Activist
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who is part of the delegation, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s participation will further position the country as a prime investment destination.
“We are looking at areas of our strength, solid mineral resources, agriculture and other areas of the economy,” he said. He added that the Shettima’s address would “further reposition Nigeria as the leading economy in Africa.”
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, also confirmed that Nigeria will host a dedicated “Nigeria Investment Day,” where Shettima will highlight key sectors like solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology.
She said the event would “push forward the Renewed Hope Agenda” and highlight the economic reforms of the past two years to a global audience.
