Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York, United States.

The Vice President left Nigeria on 20 September 2026 to represent Nigeria at the international annual meeting.

According to the statement of the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Shettima delivered the President’s national statement during the general gathering.

“During the visit, VP Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for reform of the UN Security Council, demanding permanent African representation, fairer global financing, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation.”

Shettima was also present at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, where Tinubu urged African countries to move beyond exporting raw materials, with focus on processing, manufacturing, and adding value.

He also spoke at an event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy stressing Nigeria’s commitment to education as an important investment in productivity, human capital, and national development.

“At the high-level education financing event co-hosted by Nigeria and Italy, Senator Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to education as a critical investment in productivity, human capital and national prosperity, while supporting the Global Partnership for Education’s $5bn financing campaign.”

According to the statement, Shettima also met with Nigerians residing abroad while highlighting the role of their investments, expertise, and networks in supporting the nation’s development.

He also utilised the meetings to promote Nigeria’s positions on development financing, regional integration, economic cooperation, technology, peace and security, while noting Tinubu’s for an advanced representative and equitable global order.