Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola 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 scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the high-level general debates and participate in multiple side events, including the Global Champions’ Roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing. He will also unveil Nigeria’s new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders.

According to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was received at the John F. Kennedy International Airport by Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; and other senior Nigerian officials.

Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities for this year’s UNGA, Ambassador Tuggar said the country is championing the proposed United Nations Global Convention on Taxation, part of efforts to reform the international financial system.

“This is something that has put Nigeria in the position of leadership,” Tuggar said. He added that Nigeria will also push for Africa’s demand for at least two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, anchored on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, its positions on the conflicts in Gaza, Eastern Congo, and Sudan, and plans for Shettima to meet with the Sudanese Prime Minister and attend the African Union Peace and Security Council session.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who is part of the delegation, said Nigeria’s presence at the UNGA would “further reposition the country as an investment destination and one of Africa’s leading economies.” He stressed that the focus would be on attracting investment in solid minerals, agriculture, and skills-based education.

Similarly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olajumoke Oduwole, said Nigeria would host Nigeria Investment Day on Monday, showcasing priority sectors such as solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology.

“In all, it is to push forward the Renewed Hope Agenda and highlight the reforms that the Nigerian economy has experienced in the last two years,” Oduwole said.

Nigeria’s participation in the 80th UNGA is expected to reinforce its diplomatic standing, economic ambitions, and leadership role on the African continent.