Shettima Arrives in New York, Says Nigeria Will Push for Fairer Global Order at UNGA 81

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will use the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to press for reforms that give developing countries a stronger voice in global decision-making.

Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent President Bola Tinubu at the high-level gathering, saying Nigeria’s participation would be driven by national interest and its continued support for multilateral cooperation. The 81st UNGA opened on September 8, while the high-level week runs from September 22 to 28.

“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” Shettima said after his arrival.

He said Nigeria would engage international partners from the standpoint of its national interests while advancing Tinubu’s position that global institutions need to reflect major changes in the world’s economic and demographic balance. The issue is also part of a wider African push for more representative global governance, including reform of the UN Security Council and international financial institutions.

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions on issues affecting international peace and security, economic development and global cooperation. The UN says nearly 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the high-level week in person.

Beyond the General Debate, the Vice-President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners. Nigeria is expected to raise issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and stronger African representation in international decision-making.

The arrival delegation included Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior officials. Shettima was received in New York by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other Nigerian government and diplomatic officials.

Nigeria’s position comes as the UN begins its 81st session under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The session’s agenda includes renewed multilateralism, sustainable development, climate action, digital governance and artificial intelligence.

For Nigeria and other African countries, the question is not only whether existing global institutions should be preserved, but how they can be reshaped to reflect the continent’s population, economic interests and role in global affairs. The UN’s own Africa priorities for the session include global governance reform, changes to the international financial system, climate finance and sustainable industrialisation.