Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced.

Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the annual global gathering, where he is expected to present Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24.

The Vice President’s participation was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

The General Debate, scheduled for September 22 to 28, is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

The opening session featured remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump.

Shettima arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Other members of the Nigerian delegation include the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, Shettima’s national address will outline Nigeria’s position on major global issues and highlight President Tinubu’s priorities on reforming international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and the pursuit of a more equitable global economic order.

Before the opening of the General Debate, the Vice President attended a welcome breakfast hosted by Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses.

Earlier in his New York engagements, Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.

At the meeting, he called for greater continental efforts to reduce Africa’s dependence on the export of raw minerals and promote processing, manufacturing and value addition within the continent.

Shettima said Africa’s mineral resources should contribute more directly to employment, industrial development and improved living standards, while urging African countries to deepen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that reduce the value derived from their natural resources.

The statement further disclosed that the Vice President would take part in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UN General Assembly week as Nigeria seeks to advance its national interests and strengthen cooperation with international partners.

After leaving the UN Headquarters, Shettima, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides and other members of the Nigerian delegation, also made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.