Vice-President Kashim Shettima has met with UN secretary-general António Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York to discuss key issues, including Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Mr Shettima presented Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

During the meeting, the vice-president  emphasised the need for the UN to “support Nigeria even more, to achieve more”, highlighting that the country “is aspiring to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council”.

The two leaders also held bilateral discussions focusing on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing climate change, and collaboration to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and the African region.

Briefing journalists shortly after the  meeting, foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar disclosed that the UN has a very strong presence in Nigeria, with many of its agencies domiciled in the country.

The minister stated that the UN secretary-general commended the vice-president for underscoring Nigeria’s need for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Also, communications minister ‘Bosun Tijani said the Nigerian delegation had a very cordial engagement with the UN secretary-general. He highlighted Mr Guterres’ comments on artificial intelligence and his hope and expectation that Nigeria will continue to play a significant role in that field.

Humanitarian minister Yusuf Sununu stressed that the vice president had fruitful discussions with the UN chief. According to him, Mr Shettima highlighted Mr Tinubu’s administration’s efforts in addressing humanitarian crises and reducing poverty.

“He highlighted that we have one of the largest national social registers containing almost 18.9 million households, and we have reached over 8.1 million Nigerians through conditional cash transfers. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities,” the minister added.

Mr Shettima, according to the minister, added that the humanitarian ministry is affected by funding reductions by UN organisations.

He noted that the World Food Programme has supported about 1.3 million Nigerians in receiving emergency food transfers, while the federal government is working earnestly to “fill the gap”.

The minister stated that the UN secretary-general assured Nigeria of continued support to enhance the ministry’s capacity, authenticate its national social register, and secure additional funding for intervention and poverty reduction activities.

“Generally, the secretary-general thanked the Nigerian government, especially the President, for the  ongoing support to the United Nations and assured us that the UN will continue to support Nigeria’s wishes and aspirations,” he stated.

(NAN)