French President Emmanuel Macron has departed Paris for New York to participate in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, as Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in France on his annual leave.
Macron’s departure comes as presidents, heads of government and senior representatives from across the world converge on New York for the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly, which officially opens on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The French president is expected to join other world leaders for discussions on major international issues, including global security, economic development, multilateral cooperation, climate change and other challenges confronting the international community.
Tinubu, however, will not personally attend this year’s General Assembly. The Nigerian president has instead directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to lead the country’s delegation to the high-level gathering.
Shettima has already arrived in New York and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate. He will also participate in high-level meetings, bilateral engagements and other diplomatic activities on behalf of the Nigerian government.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has defended the country’s representation at the gathering, saying Tinubu’s absence should not be interpreted as a lack of adequate representation.
Ibrahim explained that Shettima, alongside other senior government officials and members of the Nigerian delegation, would effectively represent the country at the international forum.
The development has nevertheless attracted public attention because of the timing of Macron’s departure from France while Tinubu remains in the country during his annual vacation.
Tinubu travelled to Europe as part of his annual leave and has held a number of engagements during his stay. His visit to France included a meeting with Macron, with the two leaders holding discussions on bilateral relations and other areas of mutual interest.
The President’s decision to remain away from the United States means that Shettima will represent Nigeria at the UN General Debate for the third consecutive year.
Shettima previously represented Tinubu at the General Debate in 2024 and 2025. Tinubu personally attended and addressed the 78th United Nations General Assembly in 2023, shortly after assuming office as Nigeria’s president.
The United Nations General Assembly remains one of the most significant annual gatherings of world leaders, providing a platform for member states to present their positions on international affairs and engage in diplomatic discussions.
The 81st session is expected to feature extensive discussions on peace and security, sustainable development, international cooperation, economic challenges and other issues affecting countries across different regions.
For Nigeria, Shettima’s participation is expected to provide an opportunity for the government to present its position on global issues while pursuing bilateral and multilateral engagements with other countries and international organisations.
The Federal Government has maintained that the Vice-President’s presence, supported by Nigeria’s diplomatic representatives and senior officials, ensures that the country’s interests remain fully represented at the UNGA despite Tinubu’s decision not to attend personally.
Tinubu is expected to conclude his European vacation and return to Nigeria after his current engagements in France, while Shettima continues to lead Nigeria’s delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
