Vice-President Kashim Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Thursday, marking the third year in a row he has represented the country at the General Debate.
An updated provisional speakers’ list obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shows Nigeria is fourth on the afternoon schedule for Sept. 24, the third day of the debate and one of the most closely watched days of the UN’s high-level week.
The afternoon session starts at 3pm New York time and ends at 9pm. Shettima is expected to speak between 4pm and 4:30pm, which is 9pm to 9:30pm in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu was earlier listed as the eighth speaker on Wednesday morning, after moving up from the 10th position. Under UN protocol, presidents speak before vice-presidents, prime ministers and ministers.
APPLESBITE reports that Tinubu directed Shettima on Sunday to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the session once again.
Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, said Shettima would present Nigeria’s positions on major global issues.
Shettima stood in for the President at the 79th Session in 2024 and delivered Nigeria’s statement at the 80th Session in 2025. Tinubu addressed the 78th Session in person in September 2023, months after taking office.
The Presidency said the Vice-President will lead a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior officials.
Apart from the national statement, Shettima is expected to attend high-level meetings on issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa. He will also hold bilateral talks with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines.
Shettima joins 73 Heads of State, 45 Heads of Government, 49 ministers, 11 vice-presidents and one crown prince at this year’s high-level week.
The General Debate opens on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and runs through Saturday before ending on Monday, Sept. 28. The session theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” It is being presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh.
The General Assembly brings together all 193 UN member states, each with equal representation.
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