Tinubu to Skip UN General Assembly Again as Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation

For the third year in a row, President Bola Tinubu will not take part in the United Nations General Assembly's high-level meeting, with Vice President Kashim Shettima named to head Nigeria's contingent to the 81st session in New York. Shettima also stood in for the president at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025. The arrangement was announced in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President's spokesman. According to the statement, Tinubu directed Shettima to represent him and lead the Nigerian delegation to the 81st UNGA session in New York, United States. Joining Shettima on the high-level delegation are Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, along with ministers and other senior government officials. The General Debate of the 81st session is set to run from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." Shettima will present Nigeria's national statement during the General Debate, setting out the country's stance and priorities on key global matters affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation. The Vice President is also scheduled to take part in high-level meetings during UNGA week, covering topics such as the Right to Development, climate action and other matters of strategic value to Nigeria and Africa, the statement noted. Shettima is additionally expected to attend the customary reception for heads of delegation and to hold bilateral talks with leaders of other nations, international organisations and development partners on the margins of the Assembly. According to the Presidency, those engagements will centre on Nigeria's economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation. The decision for Tinubu to stay away comes after earlier signals that he would attend this year's gathering in person. Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said previously that plans were underway for Tinubu's attendance, including arrangements for him to be seated near US President Donald Trump. Ibrahim has since brushed aside worries about the president's absence, stating that Nigeria would still be fully represented at the Assembly. He said Shettima, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior officials would take part in key engagements during the high-level session. Ibrahim further noted that it is standard diplomatic practice for presidents to be represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers when they are unable to attend the annual gathering. He said over 60 per cent of those scheduled to speak at the session are being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers. "The Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly and participate fully in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session," Ibrahim said. He also insisted that Nigeria would keep its designated seating arrangement, including its front-row position at the Assembly. "The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented. Our delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings," he said. The UN General Debate is due to open on September 22 and run through September 26 before wrapping up on September 28.