President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima scheduled to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering.
The Presidency confirmed the decision on Sunday, ending speculation over whether Tinubu would travel to the United States for the high-level UN meetings. The development means Shettima will represent Nigeria at the international gathering, alongside other members of the country’s delegation.
The decision has attracted political attention because it is the third consecutive year that Tinubu will not personally attend the UN General Assembly. Presidential aide Daniel Osodi said the President’s absence should not be interpreted as a problem between Nigeria and the United States.
Osodi said Tinubu’s attention remained focused on domestic matters, including the economy and security. He also stressed that Nigeria would continue to participate actively in international organisations and that the country’s interests would be represented at the UN through its delegation.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, is also expected to participate in the country’s diplomatic activities at the General Assembly.
The UN General Assembly provides an opportunity for world leaders and senior government representatives to address global issues and hold bilateral and multilateral meetings. Nigeria traditionally uses the platform to engage with other countries and international organisations on matters relating to diplomacy, security, development, trade and investment.
The President’s decision has also drawn criticism from opposition figures. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an explanation, arguing that the President’s personal presence at the gathering carries diplomatic significance. His position represents a political response to the decision rather than an official change in Nigeria’s participation at the UN.
Despite Tinubu’s absence, the Federal Government says Nigeria will remain adequately represented at the 81st UN General Assembly through the Vice President and the wider Nigerian delegation.
