Tinubu skips UNGA 81 as Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to New York, where hewill deliver Nigeria’s national statement and advance the country’s priorities on global development, security and economic cooperation.
Tinubu skips UNGA 81 as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads Nigeria’s delegation to New York, representing the President at the high-level gathering of world leaders. The decision means Tinubu will not personally attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, which begins its General Debate on September 22, 2026.
The Presidency confirmed the arrangement after weeks of uncertainty over whether the Nigerian leader would travel to the United States for the annual UN gathering.Instead, Shettima arrived in New York on Monday, September 21, to represent Tinubu and head the Nigerian delegation. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate and take part in a series of high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
Tinubu’s UNGA Absence Confirmed
President Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st UNGA comes as he continues a working vacation that began on August 30.
According to the State House, Tinubu initially travelled to London before moving to Paris, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré. The Presidency said on September 21 that Tinubu had extended the working vacation by a few days and would return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Presidency also rejected speculation surrounding the President’s absence, describing some claims about the decision as unfounded.
Tinubu’s absence has nevertheless attracted political commentary because he has not personally attended the UN General Assembly since 2023.
Shettima represented him at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly questioned the decision, while the Federal Government has pushed back against what it described as speculation being presented as fact. Information Minister Mohammed Idris said political criticism was legitimate but should not be mixed with unverified claims about the President’s absence.
Shettima Leads Nigeria’s UNGA Delegation
With Tinubu staying away, Shettima is leading a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The Vice President’s arrival in New York marks the beginning of Nigeria’s formal participation in the high-level UNGA programme.
The 81st General Debate is taking place under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The gathering brings together heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives from UN member states to present their countries’ priorities and positions on international issues.
Shettima is scheduled to present Nigeria’s national statement, setting out the country’s position on issues linked to peace and security, economic development, international cooperation and sustainable development.
What Shettima Will Discuss at UNGA
Beyond delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Shettima is expected to participate in high-level discussions on the right to development, climate action and other issues considered important to Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The Presidency said Nigeria would use the UNGA platform to push issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in international decision-making.
Shettima has also said Nigeria’s engagement at the gathering will be guided by the country’s national interest and its commitment to multilateralism.
In remarks after arriving in New York, the Vice President said Nigeria would continue to advocate for international institutions that are more representative and responsive to present-day economic and demographic realities. He also said the country would engage international partners while pushing for developing nations to have a stronger voice and fairer opportunities.
Nigeria’s Diplomatic Agenda in New York
The UNGA week will also provide Nigerian officials with opportunities for bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The Presidency said these engagements are expected to support Tinubu’s economic diplomacy by strengthening strategic partnerships and creating opportunities to advance Nigeria’s interests beyond the formal General Debate.
The gathering comes at a time when countries are facing several major international challenges, including conflicts, climate pressures, development financing concerns and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence. The UN’s 81st session is expected to provide a major platform for countries to discuss how global institutions should respond to those challenges.
For Nigeria, Shettima’s presence ensures that the country will still have a senior representative at one of the most significant diplomatic gatherings of the year, even though the President will not be there in person.
When Will Nigeria Deliver Its National Statement?
Nigeria is expected to address the General Assembly during the General Debate, with Shettima delivering the country’s national statement.
The General Debate runs through the high-level UNGA programme in New York, with discussions focused on the session’s theme and wider international concerns. Nigeria’s presentation will give the government an opportunity to outline its priorities and positions directly to the international communit
y.While Tinubu’s absence has generated political debate at home, the Nigerian government has maintained that the country’s diplomatic engagement will continue through the delegation led by the Vice President.
Shettima is expected to remain in New York for the scheduled engagements before returning to Nigeria at the conclusion of his programme.
