President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to represent him at the international gathering.
The Presidency confirmed the development on Sunday, ending weeks of uncertainty over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual UN meeting.
The announcement came after the Presidency had earlier disclosed that Tinubu would return to Nigeria following a three-week vacation in Europe. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously said the President would attend the UNGA and claimed that arrangements had been made for him to sit close to United States President Donald Trump. The Presidency did not publicly confirm that earlier statement.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman to the Vice President, the Presidency said Tinubu had directed Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
“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 be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, federal 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.”
According to the Presidency, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s position on issues relating to national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
“VP Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; 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, 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 is also expected to participate in high-level meetings focusing on issues including the Right to Development, climate action and other matters considered strategically important to Nigeria and the African continent.
He is further expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to pursue economic diplomacy, strengthen strategic partnerships and advance discussions around sustainable development, climate finance, reform of the global financial architecture and multilateral cooperation.
“VP Shettima will return to Nigeria at the conclusion of his engagements in New York.”
Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st UNGA means Shettima will once again represent the President at the international gathering. The Vice President delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 80th UNGA in September 2025.
According to Daily Trust, this will be the third consecutive UN General Assembly that Tinubu has not personally attended since assuming office in 2023.
