UNGA 81: Shettima Meets Nigerians In Diaspora, Seeks Greater Investment, Skills Transfer For Nigeria

Vice President Kashim Shettima has met with members of the Nigerian diaspora in New York, United States, urging stronger collaboration in national development through investment, skills transfer and greater engagement with the country’s economic growth.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where the Vice President is leading Nigeria’s delegation and representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at key engagements.

According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the engagement centred on how Nigerians living abroad can contribute more actively to the country’s development.

The discussions focused on diaspora participation in national development, investment opportunities, knowledge and skills transfer, as well as the role of Nigerians overseas in promoting the country’s economic and diplomatic interests.

Later on Thursday, Vice President Shettima is expected to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s National Statement at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The address is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on major global issues and highlight the Tinubu administration’s priorities on economic reforms, sustainable development, peace, security and international cooperation.

The meeting brought together several top government officials and political leaders accompanying the Vice President to the global gathering.

Among them were the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Also in attendance were the spouses of the governors of Kwara, Katsina, Abia and Osun states.

Members of the Federal Executive Council present included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro; Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure.

Others at the meeting included Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are; heads of government agencies and senior officials of Nigeria’s missions in the United States.

Nigeria has consistently engaged its diaspora community during major international events, recognising Nigerians abroad as key contributors to the nation’s economy through remittances, investments, innovation and global advocacy. The Tinubu administration has repeatedly identified diaspora engagement as an important pillar of its foreign policy and economic development agenda.