Nigeria is set to take the floor at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to deliver the country’s national statement for the third consecutive year.
According to the updated provisional speakers’ schedule, Nigeria is listed as the fourth speaker in the afternoon session of the General Debate on September 24.
The General Debate, which forms the centrepiece of the UN’s high-level week, began on September 22 and will continue through September 26 before resuming on September 28. The 81st session is being held at UN Headquarters in New York.
Shettima is expected to speak between 4pm and 4:30pm New York time, corresponding to 9pm and 9:30pm Nigerian time, according to the provisional schedule.
Another UNGA Appearance for Shettima
Thursday’s appearance would mark another year in which Shettima has represented Nigeria at the General Debate.
He delivered Nigeria’s statement at the 79th session in 2024 and again represented the country at the 80th session in 2025. UN records confirm his address during the 2024 General Debate.
This year’s appearance follows President Bola Tinubu’s decision to have Shettima lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st General Assembly.
Shettima arrived in New York ahead of the gathering and has said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by the country’s national interests.
Nigeria’s Turn Comes on Day Three
Nigeria’s statement is scheduled for the third day of the General Debate, one of the most closely followed portions of the UN’s annual high-level week.
The General Debate brings together heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives to outline their countries’ priorities and positions on international issues.
The 2026 session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
The UN’s official programme places the General Debate across several days, with world leaders and senior representatives taking turns at the General Assembly rostrum.
Tinubu’s Previous UNGA Appearance
Tinubu personally addressed the General Assembly in September 2023, during his first year as president.
You May Like: JAMB Changes SIM Swap, Email Rules – See New Requirements
Since then, Shettima has delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the subsequent two sessions, and he is now scheduled to do so again in 2026.
The vice president’s Thursday address will therefore put Nigeria’s priorities before the international community at a time when the General Assembly is considering issues ranging from global security and development to international cooperation and the future of multilateral institutions.
For Nigeria, the spotlight will once again turn to the General Assembly rostrum on Thursday evening in Abuja, when Shettima is expected to speak on behalf of the country.