Shettima Returns From Global Mission On UN Reforms, Energy Transition

During the week-long international engagement, the Vice President delivered President Tinubu’s national statement calling for comprehensive UN reforms.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja following an intensive diplomatic mission that saw him represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York before moving on to strategic engagements in Germany.

The trip, which spanned a week, placed Nigeria at the center of key global conversations ranging from United Nations reform to Africa’s resource sovereignty, energy transition, and international partnerships. At the UN headquarters, Shettima delivered President Tinubu’s national statement, which underscored Nigeria’s call for comprehensive reforms of the global body, particularly in the composition of the Security Council. He stressed that Africa, long marginalized in the decision-making process, must be granted a permanent voice in shaping global policies.

The Vice President also used the platform to reiterate the continent’s sovereignty over its mineral wealth, highlighting that Africa sits on an estimated $700 billion worth of resources that must be managed in the interest of its people rather than external exploiters. His remarks drew attention to the urgent need for a fairer global economic order where developing nations are not perpetually relegated to the margins.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Beyond speeches, Shettima engaged in high-level diplomacy with governments, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic organizations. He held discussions with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other stakeholders to deepen Nigeria’s collaborations in health, education, and sustainable development.

A notable highlight of his engagements came in his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General not only acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent but also commended the country’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. This endorsement, analysts say, adds momentum to Africa’s long-standing demand for equitable representation in global governance.

Shettima also showcased Nigeria’s vast opportunities in the green economy, presenting a $200 billion energy transition plan designed to attract foreign investors. The initiative, which is central to the Tinubu administration’s climate and economic agenda, was pitched as a platform for global capital to work hand-in-hand with Nigeria in driving sustainable growth while addressing the realities of climate change.

Diaspora Outreach And German Engagements

The Vice President’s itinerary further included a meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora. Addressing them, he assured that the Tinubu administration is committed to involving citizens abroad in its reform policies and national development programmes. According to him, the government sees the diaspora community not only as a source of remittances but also as vital partners in technology, investment, and knowledge transfer.

From New York, Shettima proceeded to Germany where he wrapped up his foreign mission with strategic bilateral engagements. The focus there, officials said, was on economic cooperation, energy, and industrial investment. Germany, being one of Europe’s industrial powerhouses, remains a key partner in Nigeria’s ambition to diversify its economy, and the Vice President emphasized the government’s readiness to create a conducive climate for German businesses to thrive in Nigeria.

Shettima’s return to Abuja marks the end of a packed international schedule that sought to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, secure investment commitments, and amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage. Government insiders described the trip as “highly successful,” pointing to the balance of political advocacy and economic diplomacy that characterized his engagements.

As the country reflects on the outcomes, the Vice President’s mission highlights a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration: to reposition Nigeria not just as Africa’s largest economy but as a global player capable of shaping conversations on governance, climate, and resource management.

With the UNGA80 now concluded and new partnerships emerging from Europe, the next challenge will be translating these international commitments into tangible benefits at home.