UNGA 81: VP Shettima Woos Nigerian Diaspora In New York, Rallies Support For Tinubu’s Economic Agenda
NEW YORK, USA — Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians living in the United States to actively partner with the federal government, emphasizing that their investment, skills, and global influence are critical to achieving sustainable national development.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at a high-level townhall meeting with the Nigerian community in New York on Tuesday, Vice President Shettima delivered warm greetings from the President. He fondly reminded the audience that President Tinubu deeply understands the diaspora experience, having lived and worked in Chicago for many years before returning to serve the nation.
The critical stakeholder engagement was held on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81). The forum was coordinated and moderated by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, as part of strategic efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and redirect global Nigerian talent toward homeland development.
A Strategic Focus on Growth
The townhall focused intensely on practical pathways for diaspora participation in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms. Key areas of discussion included direct foreign investment, knowledge and technology transfer, and the diplomatic role that Nigerians abroad play in reshaping the country’s international image.
Vice President Shettima assured the gathering that the current administration is systematically dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks to make Nigeria a prime destination for diaspora-led investments.
High-Powered Federal Presence
The importance attached to the interface was underscored by the presence of a heavyweight government delegation, including four state governors: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Babagana Zulum (Borno).
Also, in attendance were top diplomats and cabinet ministers, including:
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Jimoh Ibrahim (Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations)
Dr. Tunji Alausa (Minister of Education)
Dr. Dele Alake (Minister of Solid Minerals Development)
Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh (Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology)
Dr. Bernard Doro (Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction)
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (Minister of Women Affairs)
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite (Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning)
Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (Minister of State, FCT)
The interactive session concluded with commitments from both the government delegation and diaspora leaders to establish more structured channels for investment and professional collaboration moving forward.
