Vice President Kashim Shettima Engages with UN Secretary-General on Regional Security and Humanitarian Relief

Vice President Kashim Shettima met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York to discuss pressing issues related to regional security, humanitarian relief, and Nigeria’s role in international cooperation.

Representing President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Shettima was welcomed by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, with whom he had a brief meeting following his discussion with Guterres.

During the meeting, VP Shettima highlighted the urgent need for relief efforts to combat the devastating effects of climate change, specifically addressing the recent damages experienced by residents of Borno State in Northeast Nigeria. He acknowledged the UN's ongoing efforts while advocating for increased support to stabilize the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and implement coordinated relief plans for flood victims across Nigeria.

In response, Secretary-General Guterres extended his condolences for the recent losses in Nigeria and pledged enhanced support from the UN. He affirmed that the organization is prepared to intensify its interventions in Nigeria and commended President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that Nigeria is a crucial ally in the UN’s quest for a peaceful Africa.

The discussions come in light of significant flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, which has resulted in one of the worst flood crises in Nigeria’s history.