The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said that Nigeria is fully represented at the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by an impressive delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated this in a post on Instagram after attending the general debate where Shettima delivered Nigeria’s statement.
The Minister said: “Pleased to be at the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly which opened at the UN headquarters in New York yesterday, Tuesday 22nd September 2026, with Heads of State and Government from around the world addressing international challenges ranging from security and geopolitical tensions to economic issues and artificial intelligence.
“Nigeria is fully represented by an impressive delegation led by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Sen. Kashim Shettima. The theme of this 81st session of the General Assembly is ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.’”
Meanwhile, Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have renewed efforts to strengthen cooperation in the field of migration and the long-pending EU-Nigeria readmission agreement.
The media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, in a statement issued in New York, United States, said the two areas were the focus of discussions between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
“Commissioner Brunner stressed the importance of concluding the readmission agreement, which was initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026. He noted that its finalisation would provide a basis for broader cooperation between Nigeria and the EU on migration.”
“The Minister underscored Nigeria’s interest in ensuring that migration cooperation incorporates reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure development assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.”
“She emphasised the importance of creating structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s large and youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation does not undermine the country’s development interests.”
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“The EU delegation indicated that these concerns had been incorporated into the proposed framework and disclosed plans for a broader Migration and Security Cooperation Contract covering strategic dialogue on local talent partnerships, mobility and legal pathways, reintegration of returnees, border management and support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex),” Eze said.
Eze further said the proposed cooperation would also explore a working arrangement for the exchange of information with Europol, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat transnational organised crime.
“Commissioner Brunner further highlighted the EU’s interest in developing legal pathways through talent partnerships, noting that such arrangements could benefit both sides by addressing skills needed in Europe, while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals and helping to mitigate concerns over brain drain.”
“The meeting also considered the need for enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration, with the commissioner stressing that progress in this area could facilitate greater opportunities for legal migration.”
“Commissioner Brunner expressed interest in continuing discussions with the minister during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date to be agreed by both sides.”
“The engagement reflects Nigeria’s continued efforts to pursue a balanced migration partnership with the European Union that addresses irregular migration and return, while expanding legal mobility, reintegration support, security cooperation and opportunities for Nigerian youth,” Eze also said.
