Tinubu Won’t Attend UN General Assembly as Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in person, with Vice President Kashim Shettima set to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

The change was confirmed by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, on Sunday, September 20.

The President has directed the Vice President to represent him at the annual gathering of world leaders, where the high-level general debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28.

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

Shettima to Deliver Nigeria’s National Statement

According to the Presidency, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.

His address is expected to outline Nigeria’s position on major international issues affecting the country, including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

A Change From Earlier Plans

Tinubu’s decision marks a change from plans announced earlier in the year.

In July, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, said Tinubu had confirmed that he would attend the 81st UN General Assembly.

Ibrahim said at the time that the President was expected to use the gathering to present Nigeria’s reform agenda and participate in several high-level discussions.

Reports in September had already indicated uncertainty over whether Tinubu would travel to New York, with Shettima again expected to represent him.

The Presidency has now formally confirmed that Shettima will lead the delegation.

Shettima Has Represented Nigeria at Previous UNGA Sessions

This will not be Shettima’s first time representing Nigeria at the General Assembly under the Tinubu administration.

The Vice President led Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th UN General Assembly in 2024 and also represented the President at the 80th session in 2025.

At the 2025 General Assembly, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement and addressed issues including international cooperation, security, economic development and reform of the United Nations system.

Global Issues Dominate This Year’s UNGA

Nigeria’s delegation will join world leaders in New York as the 81st General Assembly focuses on a range of international challenges.

The 2026 gathering comes amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, concerns over global food and energy security, and debates about artificial intelligence and the future of international cooperation.

Reuters reports that nearly 130 heads of state are expected in New York for the high-level gathering.

For Nigeria, the General Assembly provides an opportunity to present the country’s economic and security priorities while engaging with other governments and international organisations.

Why Tinubu’s Absence Matters

Tinubu’s absence is notable because the President had previously indicated that he would personally attend this year’s General Assembly.

However, the Presidency has not indicated that Nigeria will have a reduced presence at the meeting.

With Shettima leading the delegation and delivering the national statement, Nigeria will still have senior representation during the high-level session.

Key Facts

• President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st UN General Assembly in person.

• Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation.

• Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement.

• The high-level General Debate runs from September 22 to 28.

• The delegation will include governors, ministers and other senior officials.

• Tinubu had previously been expected to attend after confirming his plans in July.

• Shettima represented Nigeria at the 2024 and 2025 UN General Assembly sessions.