Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari departed his country on Sunday for New York where he is scheduled to attend the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The 76-year-old was accompanied by top government officials, including seven cabinet ministers and three governors.

Ahead of the trip, the Nigerian foreign affairs minister Geoffery Onyeama said: “President Buhari will use the opportunity to articulate the priorities of the Nigerian government to the world.”

He also noted that the West African country was hoping to use the opportunity to rally for seats in some world organisations including the International Maritime Organisation , the World Heritage Committee, and the International Civil Aviation Council.

"Nigeria will also be pushing for the UN’s support in the war on terror, the humane treatment of migrants, as well as Nigeria’s quest to recharge lake Chad,” he said.

The Nigerian leader will also hold meetings with U.S.-based Nigerian businessmen and potential investors, in addition to holding discussions over issues on human capital projects and development.

Apart from President Buhari, other African leaders expected to grace the event include President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt), President Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), President Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone) and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed among others.

UNGA 74 opened on 17 September, thought the first day of the high-level General Debate will be 24 September and the debate will run until 30 September.

A total of 143 heads of state and government have been confirmed to speak in the forthcoming debate.

Source(s): Nigeria Presidency, Pulse Nigeria