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 decision puts an end to weeks of speculation over whether President Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering, which brings together world leaders, heads of government and senior representatives of member states to deliberate on major global issues.
The Presidency announced the development on Sunday in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, Shettima will head a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
“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.
The announcement followed considerable uncertainty surrounding the President’s attendance at this year’s UNGA.
In July, Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had indicated that Tinubu was expected to personally attend the gathering.
Ibrahim had reportedly said arrangements had been made for the Nigerian President to sit close to United States President Donald Trump during the high-level meeting.
However, the situation changed after Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe. London was his first destination before he subsequently travelled to France.
The President’s absence from the country during the period leading up to the UN General Assembly generated renewed speculation about whether he would travel to New York or participate through a representative.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28, 2026. The theme for this year’s session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
With Shettima representing Nigeria, the Vice President is expected to deliver the country’s national statement during the General Debate.
The Presidency said his address would outline Nigeria’s positions and priorities on major international issues with implications for national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
Shettima is also expected to participate in a series of high-level meetings and engagements throughout the UNGA week.
According to the Presidency, some of the areas of discussion will include the Right to Development, climate action and other issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The Vice President is also expected to participate in 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 meetings are expected to provide an avenue for Nigeria to discuss issues of mutual interest with governments and international institutions while presenting its priorities on the global stage.
The Presidency said the engagements would also support the administration’s economic diplomacy efforts and provide opportunities to deepen Nigeria’s strategic partnerships.
Among the issues expected to feature prominently are reforms to the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
The Federal Government has continued to emphasise international cooperation and economic diplomacy as important components of its efforts to attract investment, strengthen partnerships and support Nigeria’s development objectives.
The participation of the Vice President at the UNGA will therefore provide the administration with an opportunity to engage directly with other governments and international development partners on issues affecting Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his official engagements in New York.
The development means Nigeria will be represented at the 81st UN General Assembly by the Vice President rather than the President, with Shettima expected to lead the country’s delegation and communicate the administration’s position on key global and national issues.
