Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after completing his assignment at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he represented President Bola Tinubu and headed the country’s delegation.
His arrival comes as the Presidency continues to provide updates on Tinubu’s whereabouts, assuring Nigerians that the President is in good condition and remains engaged with official responsibilities despite his extended stay in Europe.
Shettima travelled to the United States on September 20 after receiving a mandate from Tinubu to represent him at the annual international gathering. The Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national address and participated in several meetings focused on issues considered important to the country and the wider African continent.
During his presentation before the General Assembly, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s position that Africa should have permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. He also highlighted the need for changes to international institutions and financial arrangements to give developing countries greater opportunities to access funding and participate in global decision-making.
Nigeria’s delegation also used the UNGA platform to promote stronger international cooperation on climate financing, sustainable development, economic growth and regional integration.
Another issue raised during Shettima’s engagements was the development of Africa’s mineral sector. Nigeria advocated a shift from the export of unprocessed natural resources towards establishing industries capable of refining, manufacturing and adding value to minerals within the continent.
The Vice President also attended a high-level meeting on education financing organised jointly by Nigeria and Italy. During the engagement, he emphasised the importance of sustained investment in education as a means of improving skills, raising productivity and strengthening the country’s human capital.
Nigeria further expressed support for an international effort seeking $5 billion to expand funding for education through the Global Partnership for Education.
Away from the formal proceedings of the General Assembly, Shettima held discussions with members of the Nigerian community abroad. He highlighted the contribution of Nigerians in the diaspora through investments, professional knowledge, expertise and international connections.
The Vice President also met with senior representatives of regional and international institutions, including the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States Commission and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
The engagements provided opportunities for Nigeria to discuss matters relating to regional cooperation, peace and security, technology, development funding and economic partnerships.
Shettima’s return coincides with continued attention surrounding Tinubu’s decision to remain outside Nigeria during the UNGA period.
The Presidency has maintained that the President’s absence from the country does not mean he has stopped carrying out his official duties. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe and subsequently extended the trip. The State House earlier said he had continued to remain in contact with officials and direct government affairs while abroad.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also described Tinubu as hale and hearty, explaining that modern communication allows the President to remain involved in government activities without being physically present in Abuja.
The Presidency has now confirmed that Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria on Tuesday, September 29, arriving through Lagos. He is expected to participate in activities connected to Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary before subsequently returning to Abuja.
Tinubu is also expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a film honouring the late businessman and democracy advocate, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, as part of activities surrounding the Independence anniversary.
The President’s return will bring an end to his extended European working vacation, which began in late August and has attracted considerable public discussion, particularly following his decision to delegate representation at the United Nations gathering to Vice President Shettima.
