Nigeria seeks UN reform, US minerals deal at 81st General Assembly

Vice President Kashim Shettima addressed the 81st UNGA in New York on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, pushing for UN Security Council reform with two permanent African seats including veto power, while advancing economic partnerships. Nigeria signed a minerals MoU with the US to develop solid minerals processing and partnered with Italy on Global Partnership for Education financing targeting $5 billion.

The Security Council reform effort gained resonance when UN Secretary-General Guterres called Africa's lack of permanent representation "unjust and indefensible." Nigeria argues the 1945 power structure doesn't reflect 2026 realities. The minerals agreement with US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau focuses on geological data, exploration, processing, infrastructure and technical capacity—not just attracting foreign interest but creating local value through processing, skills and jobs.

Simultaneously, Nigeria co-hosted an education event with Italy where Shettima emphasized education as investment in economic future, citing the HOPE-EDU program targeting 29 million Nigerian children and 500,000 teachers. Rivers State Governor Fubara promoted investment in oil/gas, agriculture, blue economy, manufacturing and renewables.

These efforts reflect Nigeria's dual strategy: seeking influence in global rule-making while pursuing partnerships that translate to domestic value. Will these diplomatic initiatives lead to actual Security Council reform, mineral processing plants, education outcomes and tangible investments that benefit ordinary Nigerians?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/24/81st-unga-inside-nigerias-high-stakes-dealmaking-in-new-york/