Shettima Visits Tinubu in Lagos After Representing Nigeria at UNGA

By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 4, 2026

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos following his return from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he represented the Nigerian leader.

The visit, which took place on Saturday, October 3, was disclosed by Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to the President on Social Media. Shettima also spoke with journalists after meeting Tinubu at the President’s Lagos residence.

The Vice-President said he had remained in regular communication with Tinubu throughout the President’s stay abroad, explaining that developments in science and technology had made it easier for leaders to remain involved in governance while travelling.

According to Shettima, they spoke almost every other day, with updates provided on developments in the country. He welcomed Tinubu’s return to active presidential duties following his working vacation in Europe.

Shettima’s visit followed his participation in the UN General Assembly, which took place in New York from September 22 to 28. He led Nigeria’s delegation under a mandate from Tinubu, who was away from the country.

During the gathering, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President on September 24. The address outlined the country’s positions on international cooperation, reform of the United Nations Security Council, climate finance, economic development and global security.

Nigeria renewed its demand for permanent representation for Africa on the UN Security Council, arguing that the current structure does not adequately reflect the continent’s population, interests and role in international affairs.

Shettima also participated in meetings involving international partners, development institutions and African stakeholders. His engagements included discussions on mineral development, education financing, regional cooperation and Nigeria’s contribution to global affairs.

At the Lagos meeting, the Vice-President also defended some of the Tinubu administration’s major economic decisions, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the country’s multiple foreign exchange rates.

He argued that the reforms were necessary to address economic challenges inherited by the administration, citing Nigeria’s foreign reserves at the time Tinubu assumed office.

Shettima acknowledged, however, that Nigerians were experiencing economic hardship and appealed for patience as the government worked on measures intended to reduce the pressure on households.

“We appreciate the pains Nigerians are going through, but tough times do not last forever, tough people do,” he said.

He added that the government was preparing interventions to ease the difficulties faced by citizens, including initiatives targeting students and vulnerable groups.

Among the programmes he mentioned was a proposed e-logistics initiative for the North-East, which he said would involve 10,600 electric tricycles, 300 buses and electric taxis.

The Vice-President did not provide a detailed implementation timetable for the initiative during his remarks.

Shettima also indicated that the administration would balance governance with political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying both responsibilities would continue to receive attention.

Tinubu returned to Nigeria after completing his working vacation in Europe. He had departed Abuja on August 30, spending time in London before travelling to Paris, France.

The President’s absence from the country had attracted political debate, particularly after the Federal Government announced that Shettima would represent him at the UN General Assembly. The Presidency maintained that Nigeria would be fully represented and that the Vice-President had the President’s mandate to lead the delegation.

Shettima’s return and subsequent meeting with Tinubu mark the resumption of direct engagement between the two leaders in Lagos following the international gathering.