Nigeria will remain fully represented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly despite President Bola Tinubu’s absence, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the country’s delegation in New York.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the country would retain its designated position at the General Assembly, including its front-row seat, as Shettima represents Tinubu at the high-level session.
Ibrahim said the presence of a vice president or foreign minister in place of a president was not unusual at the UNGA, noting that more than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the session were being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers.
The envoy, who is also Chairman of the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, made the clarification in a statement issued by the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York.
He said Shettima and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, alongside other senior government officials, would participate in the high-level diplomatic engagements.
“The Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly and participate fully in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session,” Ibrahim said.
He explained that Tinubu would not personally attend the 81st UNGA because he is currently in France on annual leave.
“The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented. Our delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings,” he said.
The statement followed the Presidency’s announcement that Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, as well as participate in high-level and bilateral meetings.
The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
Ibrahim urged Nigerians to view Nigeria’s participation within the broader context of diplomatic representation, stressing that the country would continue to play its role fully at the General Assembly.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The United Nations lists the General Debate for September 22–26 and September 28.
Nigeria’s participation comes amid renewed attention to the country’s role in global diplomacy, with Shettima saying the delegation’s engagements will be guided by Nigeria’s national interest, commitment to multilateralism and calls for reforms of global institutions.
Shettima previously represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UNGA in 2024 and 2025.