New York
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is due to deliver the country’s national statement at the United Nations General Assembly this evening, speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the 81st session.
Shettima is scheduled as the fourth speaker in Thursday’s afternoon sitting of the general debate. The session opens at 3pm New York time. Nigerian officials and the provisional speakers list indicate he is expected to take the floor between 4pm and 4.30pm in New York, which is 9pm to 9.30pm in Britain.
The appearance will be his third successive year representing Tinubu at the high level debate. The president last addressed the Assembly in person in 2023. Shettima spoke for Nigeria in 2024 and 2025 and was again directed to lead the delegation this year.
The general debate opened on Tuesday under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” It continues through Saturday and resumes on Monday. Speakers usually aim for about 15 minutes, though many run longer, so the exact start time can move.
According to the office of the Vice President, Shettima will set out Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, development, climate finance and reform of global institutions. He is expected to argue that developing countries, particularly in Africa, should have a stronger voice in international decision making and that the present system should be made more representative.
He is leading a high level delegation that includes Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and Nigeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations. Besides the formal statement he has already taken part in opening events and side meetings in New York, including talks on Africa’s mineral strategy.
The speech can be followed live on UN Web TV and on the official general debate site. Schedules on the day remain subject to change if earlier speakers overrun.
By John James
