UNGA81: Nigeria‘ll be guided by national interest – Shettima

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Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s engagements at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will be guided by the country’s national interest.

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Shettima spoke shortly after he arrived in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing 81st Session of the UNGA.

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The vice president arrived in the company of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials.

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He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism as well as Tinubu’s consistent advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.

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”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.

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”We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on arrival in New York, Shettima was received by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

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Others who received the vice president were the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim; and other diplomatic officials.

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Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities during a debate.

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The vice president is also expected to participate in high-level meetings as well as hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations, and development partners on the sidelines of the event.

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NAN also reports that Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to reinforce its positions on reform of international financial architecture and sustainable development. (NAN)

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