President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally confirmed that he will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, ending weeks of speculation over whether he would personally participate in the annual gathering of world leaders.
Tinubu has instead directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global event, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman for the Vice President.
The uncertainty over Tinubu’s attendance had intensified after the Presidency announced that the President would return to Nigeria following his three-week vacation in Europe, without providing clear details on his plans for the UNGA.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had indicated that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA, saying arrangements had been made for the Nigerian President to sit close to United States President Donald Trump.
The Presidency, however, remained silent on the President’s attendance until Sunday, when Nkwocha formally announced that Shettima would lead the Nigerian delegation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.”
Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
“The 81st UNGA General Debate will hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
At the General Debate, Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
“At the General Debate, Senator Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major global issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.”
The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.
“The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including engagements on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.”
According to the statement, Shettima is also expected to attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
“Senator Shettima is also expected to join other world leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and participate in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
“VP Shettima will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.”
Tinubu’s absence will mark the third consecutive UN General Assembly he has missed physically since assuming office in 2023.
