Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s engagements at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly will be guided by the country’s national interest.

Mr Shettima spoke shortly after arriving in New York, United States, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing  81st session of the UNGA.

The vice-president arrived accompanied by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deputy budget and economic planning minister Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior government officials.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and Mr Tinubu’s consistent advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.

”Our message in New York is clear; Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today.

”We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” the vice-president said.

On arrival in New York, Mr Shettima was received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the deputy chief of staff to the president, Ibrahim Hadejia, foreign affairs minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, women affairs minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, solid minerals development minister Dele Alake, Nigeria’s permanent representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim; and other diplomatic officials.

Mr Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position on major international issues and priorities during a debate.

The vice-president is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations, and development partners on the sidelines of the event.

Nigeria is expected to use the engagements to reinforce its positions on reform of international financial architecture and sustainable development.

(NAN)