President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a presidential statement said on Sunday.
The decision marks the third year in a row that Tinubu has stayed away from the annual gathering of world leaders since taking office in 2023. Shettima previously represented Nigeria at the 79th and 80th sessions.
The statement, issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, said Shettima would head a high-level team that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior officials.
The General Debate of the 81st UNGA is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28 under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions on major global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
He will also take part in high-level meetings during the week, including sessions on the Right to Development and climate action, as well as other matters of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.
The vice president is further scheduled to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral talks with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the assembly.
Tinubu planned sit “very, very close” to Trump
The announcement ends weeks of speculation. In July, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had indicated that Tinubu planned to attend and would sit “very, very close” to U.S. President Donald Trump in the front row of the General Assembly Hall. Ibrahim told reporters at the time that a seat near the American leader had been arranged, though he stopped short of confirming a formal bilateral meeting.
Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, first travelling to London before continuing to France. Presidency statements indicated he would return to Nigeria after his leave, making his absence from New York expected.
Nigeria’s envoy in New York sought to play down any concerns over representation. Ibrahim said more than 60 percent of speakers at the current session are being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers. He stressed that Nigeria would retain its designated position, including its front-row seat.
“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 in a statement. “The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented.”
Atiku Queries Tinubu’s Third Year Absent At UNGA
Reacting on Sunday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Phrank Shaibu, Atiku noted that Tinubu did not attend the 79th session in 2024, the 80th in 2025 and the 81st in 2026, and was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima on each occasion.
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said three consecutive absences required a clear explanation from the Presidency.
“The United Nations General Assembly is one of the world’s most important diplomatic gatherings. It brings together the representatives of the UN’s 193 member states and provides a unique platform for presidents and prime ministers to defend their countries’ interests, negotiate partnerships and shape global decisions on trade, security and development,” Atiku said.
He said while the Vice President may represent Nigeria, personal presence of the President carries authority and visibility that delegation cannot fully replace
Atiku said UNGA sidelines provide opportunities for bilateral meetings, investment drives, trade partnerships and development finance negotiations, adding that presidential absence could have implications for investment and economic opportunities.
He referenced a reported statement by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations on securing a seat for the President at the General Assembly, and questioned why the seat was not utilised.
He also questioned the rationale for committing up to $9 million to American lobbyists to improve Nigeria’s standing in the United States while the President did not attend the UNGA in New York.
“What exactly did Nigerians purchase with that money? Why spend millions of dollars lobbying Washington while staying away from New York?” Atiku asked.
Atiku asked the Presidency to state whether there is any impediment to the President’s travel to the United States and to disclose the real reason for the third consecutive absence.
“If there is no impediment, the Presidency must explain this serial absenteeism. If an impediment exists, Nigerians have a right to know,” he said.
“Nigeria is bigger than any individual. Our diplomatic influence, economic interests and international reputation must be protected.”
