Tinubu skips UNGA, sends Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation

President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering.

The Presidency confirmed Tinubu’s absence on Sunday, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether the President would travel to the United States for the high-level UN meetings.

A statement by Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, said Tinubu had directed the Vice President to represent him at the session.

“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,” Nkwocha said.

Shettima will be accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level general debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The UN’s official schedule lists the general debate for September 22–26 and September 28.

At the gathering, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, presenting the country’s priorities on issues including development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The Vice President is also expected to participate in high-level meetings on the right to development, climate action and other matters affecting Nigeria and the wider African continent.

He is scheduled to hold bilateral engagements with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

According to the Presidency, the meetings are expected to support Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and efforts to strengthen partnerships on issues including global financial architecture, sustainable development and climate finance.

Tinubu’s decision not to attend comes after Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said in July that the President would attend the 81st UNGA. Subsequent reports had raised uncertainty over his participation.

The 81st UN General Assembly session formally opened on September 8, while the high-level week is taking place in New York from September 18 to 28.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.