Tinubu Confirms He Won’t Attend UNGA as Shettima Takes Charge of Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that he will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, in person.

The Presidency had earlier remained silent on whether the President would attend the annual global gathering after reports that he was expected to return to Nigeria following a three-week vacation in Europe.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that Tinubu would attend the UNGA, with arrangements reportedly made for him to sit near US President Donald Trump.

However, in a statement on Sunday, the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, announced that Tinubu had directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s 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,” the statement said.

Shettima will lead a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on major global issues, including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings on development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

According to the Presidency, the Vice President will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the UNGA.

The engagements are expected to focus on advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strengthening strategic partnerships and promoting the country’s position on global financial reforms, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

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

This will be the third consecutive United Nations General Assembly that President Tinubu has been absent from since assuming office in 2023.