BREAKING: Tinubu confirms absence from 81st UN General Assembly in New York, directs Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, with Vice President Kashim Shettima directed to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering.

The development ends weeks of speculation over whether the President would personally attend the annual UN General Assembly.

The uncertainty followed the Presidency’s announcement that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after spending three weeks on vacation in Europe.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier indicated that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA, saying arrangements had been made for the President to sit close to United States President Donald Trump.

The Presidency, however, had not previously confirmed whether Tinubu would travel to New York for the event.

In a statement on Sunday, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman for the Vice President, announced that Tinubu had mandated 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,” Nkwocha said.

According to the statement, the Nigerian delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

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

The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including discussions on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

He is also expected to attend the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance Tinubu’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

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

The 2026 UNGA will mark another occasion on which Tinubu will be represented by the Vice President, with the President having been absent from the previous two General Assembly sessions since assuming office in 2023.