–Multilateralism, UN reform, climate action, global finance on agenda
–Joins world leaders as Trump welcomes delegates
–Holds bilateral talks with Namibian president, Gates Foundation
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, will today (Wednesday) deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The address, scheduled between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. At New York time, the focus will be on multilateralism, UN reform, climate action, and global financial restructuring, among other key issues.
At last year’s UNGA, President Tinubu called for Africa to be allocated permanent seats on the UN Security Council, a demand now under consideration by the global body.
On Tuesday morning, Shettima joined other world leaders at the Assembly’s opening session, where U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a keynote address formally welcoming delegates.
Later, the Vice President held bilateral talks with Namibian President Nandi-Ndaitwah on the sidelines of the Assembly.
The Namibian leader, who assumed office on March 21, 2025, praised Nigerian diplomats for their longstanding support of her country and pledged to pay an official visit to President Tinubu in Abuja.
“All the Nigerian diplomats were basically Namibians, helping in so many ways,” she said, while reaffirming her commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
In response, Shettima assured her of Nigeria’s determination to deepen bilateral cooperation, stressing that, “We are all Africans, and the Nigeria-Namibia relationship should be taken to the next level, beyond where it is now.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar; Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
In a separate engagement, Shettima met with a delegation of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation led by CEO Mark Suzman.
He expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s support in healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion, while urging expanded investments in Nigeria.
“In the Gates Foundation, we have a partner we trust and believe in. If all high-net-worth individuals made even half the investment Bill Gates has made, the world would be a better place. Kindly convey the highest regards of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Mr. Gates,” Shettima said.
Reiterating Nigeria’s growth aspirations, the Vice President added: “Our target over the next few years is to achieve annual growth rates of no less than seven per cent, anchored on macroeconomic stability, productivity, and strategic investment in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and education.”
Education Minister Dr. Alausa also appealed for greater Gates Foundation support in the education sector, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
“What I want to put on the table to the Gates Foundation is increased investment in education. I’ve met with your representatives in Africa, and they indicated that the initial focus had been child nutrition, but not education. Now, with more attention shifting to education, I am seeking stronger support to bolster foundational learning, where support is currently inadequate,” he said.
Responding, CEO Suzman pledged enhanced support for human capital development, education, and health, while noting the Foundation’s progress in digital identity and financial inclusion in Nigeria.
He commended the strong commitment of President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, stating: “Nigeria is really one of our strongest partnerships on the African continent, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you about where and how we might be more helpful, while assuring you of our continued support.”
Suzman also revealed that the Foundation had signed new grants with the Central Bank of Nigeria to support related initiatives.
Other Gates Foundation officials present included Mr. Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division; Mr. Uche Amaonwu, Country Director, Nigeria Office; and Dr. Paulin Basinga, Director for Africa.
