By Agbafo Ijeoma
Nigeria is scheduled to address the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima expected to deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate in New York. The General Debate runs from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26 before resuming on Sept. 28, according to the United Nations.
An updated provisional speakers’ schedule places Nigeria fourth in the afternoon session of the General Debate on Sept. 24, which will be the third day of the high-level debate. The afternoon sitting is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. New York time, with Shettima expected to speak between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., corresponding to 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
Shettima’s appearance will mark the third consecutive year he has represented President Bola Tinubu at the General Assembly’s General Debate. He delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 79th Session in 2024 and again represented the President at the 80th Session in 2025, while Tinubu personally addressed the 78th Session in September 2023.
The Vice-President will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials. Beyond delivering the national statement, Shettima is expected to participate in high-level meetings on issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa and hold bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the Assembly.
The 81st General Assembly high-level week brings together representatives of the 193 UN member states, with the General Debate providing an opportunity for heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives to present their countries’ priorities and positions on international issues.
The session is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all,” with Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh presiding over the Assembly.
