Shettima Returns to Nigeria After Representing Tinubu at UNGA 81

Vice President Kashim Shettima is officially back on Nigerian soil. After a high-stakes, week-long diplomatic mission to New York, he returned to Abuja on Monday. Shettima stood in for President Bola Tinubu to lead Nigeria’s delegation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

When the President tapped him for the job on September 20, the mandate was clear: push Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities on the world's biggest stage. Shettima didn't just attend meetings; he delivered a blunt assessment of the current global order and demanded immediate reforms.

Demanding a Seat at the Big Table

During the General Debate, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s National Statement. He didn't mince words about the United Nations Security Council. For decades, African nations have watched global superpowers dictate international security policies without having a permanent voice in the room.

Shettima firmly reiterated President Tinubu's demand for permanent African representation on the Security Council. He argued that the current setup is outdated and fundamentally unfair. You can't have a truly representative global body when an entire continent is sidelined on the most critical security decisions. He paired this demand with a push for deeper multilateral cooperation and fairer global financing mechanisms that don't choke developing nations.

Stopping the Raw Material Drain

Beyond security and finance, the Vice President tackled economic exploitation at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. Historically, foreign corporations extract raw minerals from Africa, process them abroad, and sell the finished goods back at a premium.

Shettima laid out a new vision. Channeling Tinubu's economic blueprint, he urged African nations to stop exporting raw minerals entirely. The focus must shift immediately to local processing, manufacturing, and value addition. It's a bold stance that aligns with Nigeria’s recent domestic pushes for self-reliance and industrialization.

What This Means for Nigeria

Sending the Vice President to UNGA 81 wasn't just a scheduling adjustment for President Tinubu. It was a strategic delegation of duties that allowed Nigeria to maintain a strong presence in New York while the President handled pressing domestic issues.

Shettima’s strong showing at the UN proves Nigeria is serious about shifting the global balance of power. The days of simply showing up to take group photos are over. Nigeria is demanding equity, both in geopolitical representation and economic partnerships. Now that he is back in Abuja, the real work begins - turning those high-level New York conversations into tangible benefits for Nigerians back home.