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

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.

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

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.

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.

”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.

”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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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)