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The Federal Government has confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying President Bola Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the high-level session.
According to the statement, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The government said the Vice President would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
It added that Shettima would carry the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria throughout his engagements in New York.
The statement said Tinubu was currently on annual leave, describing his decision to delegate the Vice President to lead the Nigerian delegation as neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.
The Federal Government also responded to criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him over Tinubu’s non-attendance at the UN General Assembly.
It urged political actors to distinguish between legitimate political debate and unsubstantiated claims, particularly on issues involving Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.
The government stressed the importance of Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, covering trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It said Nigeria’s relations with the US were conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be conflated with partisan political commentary or activities of private lobbying organisations.
The minister urged Nigerians and the media to distinguish between verified information, legitimate political opinion and speculation.
“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York. Nigeria’s interests will be vigorously advanced,” the statement said, adding that efforts to strengthen the country’s relationships with international partners would continue.
