Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

Shettima, who left Abuja on September 20, led Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level international gathering on behalf of the President.

During the General Debate, the Vice President presented Tinubu’s national address, which highlighted Nigeria’s position on the need to reform the UN Security Council and secure permanent representation for Africa.

The statement also called for a fairer international financing system, increased support for climate action and stronger multilateral partnerships.

Shettima further represented Nigeria at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where discussions centred on transforming Africa’s mineral resources through local processing, manufacturing and value addition rather than continued reliance on raw mineral exports.

At a high-level meeting on education financing jointly hosted by Nigeria and Italy, the Vice President described investment in education as essential to strengthening human capital, productivity and long-term economic development. He also expressed Nigeria’s support for the Global Partnership for Education’s $5 billion financing drive.

The Vice President also engaged members of the Nigerian diaspora, highlighting the role of their expertise, investments and international networks in supporting the country’s development.

Other engagements included meetings with the new leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.

The discussions covered regional integration, development financing, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security, as well as Nigeria’s advocacy for a more inclusive and equitable international system.