Shettima Heads to Germany After Representing Tinubu at UNGA
Shettima Departs New York for Germany After Representing Tinubu at UNGA 80
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed New York, United States, en route to Germany after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His trip marks the conclusion of a high-profile diplomatic mission where he championed Nigeria’s global aspirations, advanced investment opportunities, and strengthened key international partnerships.
Shettima, who stood in for President Tinubu at the gathering of world leaders, was a prominent voice in discussions on reforming the United Nations, sustainable development, and Africa’s position in the global economy. His engagements attracted praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s efforts in pushing for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, a long-standing demand by African nations seeking greater representation on the global stage.
A Push for UN Reforms and Africa’s Voice
Delivering President Tinubu’s national statement at the Assembly, Vice President Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s call for reforms in the UN system. He argued that the structure of the world body, particularly the Security Council, no longer reflects present-day realities and must be adjusted to give Africa a permanent seat at the table. According to him, it is unjust that a continent of more than 1.3 billion people, with vast economic and natural resources, continues to be sidelined in global decision-making.
Shettima pressed further by demanding Africa’s control over its mineral wealth, valued at an estimated $700 billion. He maintained that resources from African soil must serve the interests of Africans first, noting that equitable resource management is central to achieving sustainable development across the continent. In addition, he highlighted Nigeria’s push for digital inclusion initiatives as part of Africa’s strategy to secure a stronger place in the evolving global economy.
Presenting Nigeria’s Investment Potential
Beyond political advocacy, Shettima seized the opportunity to court investors by showcasing Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity. He described the country’s shift toward cleaner, renewable energy as not just an environmental necessity but also a major investment frontier. According to him, Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead the continent’s transition given its vast natural gas reserves, abundant renewable resources, and youthful population.
The Vice President assured investors of Nigeria’s readiness to create a conducive business environment, stressing that the administration is implementing reforms to remove barriers and foster sustainable growth. His message was designed to position Nigeria as the gateway to Africa’s emerging markets, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a $3.4 trillion market.
Strengthening International Partnerships
Another highlight of Shettima’s engagements in New York was his bilateral meetings with representatives of the United Kingdom, where both sides explored deeper ties in trade, defence cooperation, and migration management. These talks underscored the Tinubu administration’s resolve to reset Nigeria’s foreign relations in ways that directly support domestic priorities.
He also engaged with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to explore expanded collaboration on healthcare and education, two areas that remain central to Nigeria’s development agenda. According to officials present at the meeting, the discussions focused on scaling up health interventions, especially in maternal and child care, as well as leveraging technology to improve access to quality education in underserved communities.
Departure and Next Mission
Vice President Shettima’s departure from the United States was marked by a brief farewell at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. He was seen off by members of the Nigerian delegation to the UNGA, including cabinet ministers and officials of the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations.
From New York, Shettima is heading to Germany where he is scheduled to meet with senior officials of Deutsche Bank. His discussions there are expected to focus on expanding financial cooperation and exploring avenues for increased German investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure and industrial development.
Return to Nigeria
After his engagements in Germany, the Vice President is expected to return immediately to Nigeria, where he will brief President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council on the outcomes of his international engagements.
Observers have noted that Shettima’s performance at the UNGA was not only a demonstration of Nigeria’s diplomatic agility but also a sign of the administration’s readiness to position the country as a central player in shaping the global order. From pushing for UN reforms to presenting Nigeria’s energy and trade potential, his activities underscored a broader message: that Nigeria seeks to lead Africa in claiming its rightful place in global affairs.