•Shettima arrives New York as Tuggar restates Nigeria’s commitment
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed concern over the move towards multipolarity without strong multilateral institutions, which creates risks similar to those Europe faced during World War I.
Speaking in New York, at the UN 80th anniversary, yesterday, he warned that the institution faced unprecedented threats to its founding principles.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York, United States, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), holding from September 22 to 28, 2025.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Vice President is billed to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, participate in the UN high-level general debates, and feature in side events.
Guterres, at the ongoing week-long General Assembly, said: “At this moment, the principles of the United Nations are under assault as never before.”
The UN chief cited ongoing crises where civilians are targeted, and international law trampled in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and beyond, while poverty and hunger rise globally.
He also highlighted climate challenges, saying: “The planet burns, with fires, floods and record heat raging through climate chaos.”
To curb the challenges, he emphasised the need to not only defend but also strengthen the UN, highlighting the UN’s historical achievements, including smallpox eradication, healing the ozone layer, and preventing a third world war.
The President, UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, reflected on the UN Charter’s signing on June 26, 1945, describing it as “a pledge not to deliver us to heaven, but to never again be dragged into hell by the forces of hatred and unchecked ambition.
“We cannot take the easy path and simply give up,” she said, calling for courage to confront problems “better together.”
Meanwhile, France is expected to recognise the state of Palestine, an attempt to pile pressure on Israel as it presses on with its campaign in Gaza despite international outrage.
Ahead of his engagements, Shettima received briefings from key ministers and senior officials.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to effective multilateralism, stronger global partnerships, and reforms of the international financial and security systems.
While in New York, the VP will unveil Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, attend the Global Champions Roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing, and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders.
He is also expected to join the African Union Peace and Security Council session and meet with the Prime Minister of Sudan.
Shettima was received on arrival by Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche nnaji, Nigeria's charges to the UN, Ambassador Samson Ittegboje, and Senior Military Attachés.
Speaking on Nigeria’s priorities at UNGA 80, Tuggar stressed the country’s leadership role in championing the proposed United Nations Global Convention on Taxation, central to the ongoing push for global financial reforms.
He restated Nigeria’s advocacy for Africa’s permanent representation at the UN Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
“We want to ensure Africa secures a minimum of two permanent seats. Nigeria has participated in more than 60 UN peacekeeping operations, and we must ensure fair recognition of our contributions, both in troops and funding,” Tuggar said.
On the sidelines, Nigeria will host an Investment Day to showcase opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, telecommunications and technology.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, said the initiative would reposition Nigeria as “an investment destination and one of Africa’s leading economies.”
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, added that the event aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting reforms and Nigeria’s progress over the last two years.
“The whole idea is to ensure Nigeria’s friends and partners are fully apprised of where we are now, and where we are headed,” she said.
