Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to use Nigeria’s participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to press the country’s case for a more representative global system, insisting that international institutions must reflect present-day economic and demographic realities.

Shettima, who arrived in New York on Sunday to lead Nigeria’s delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, said the country would combine its commitment to multilateralism with a firm pursuit of its national interests at the high-level gathering, according to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.

The Vice President said Nigeria would particularly advance the Tinubu administration’s position that developing countries, including African nations, should have a stronger voice in global decision-making.

“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.

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

The position comes as the 81st UN General Assembly opens its high-level week amid renewed international discussions on reforming global governance and strengthening multilateral cooperation. The UN has listed “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all” as the theme of the 81st session.

Nigeria’s agenda at the gathering is expected to include reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and stronger African representation in global decision-making.

The issues align with broader African calls for reform of global institutions, including increased representation for the continent in the UN Security Council and changes to the international financial system to better address the needs of developing economies.

During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues affecting peace and security, economic growth, development and global cooperation.

He will also hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The Vice President arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior officials.

He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.

The 81st General Debate begins on Tuesday, 22 September, and will run through 26 September, with a concluding session on 28 September.

Nigeria’s push for institutional reform also comes against the backdrop of continuing African advocacy for a greater role in global governance. The UN has acknowledged growing support among member states for increased representation of developing countries and Africa in the Security Council, including efforts to address what it describes as the historical underrepresentation of Africa.

Shettima’s participation is therefore expected to combine Nigeria’s immediate diplomatic and economic interests with its longer-standing advocacy for changes to the global system that would give developing countries greater influence in decisions affecting the international political and economic order.

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