Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has assured that the country will retain its front-row seat and continue to play a full diplomatic role at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ibrahim made this statement in response to concerns over President Bola Tinubu's absence from the gathering. According to Ibrahim, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the high-level session on behalf of President Tinubu.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials will participate in key engagements throughout the General Assembly. Ibrahim explained that it is a common diplomatic practice for presidents to be represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers when they are unable to attend the annual gathering. This practice is not unique to Nigeria, as many world leaders have similar representation arrangements.
Ibrahim cited that more than 60 per cent of world leaders scheduled to address the ongoing UNGA session are not attending in person. Instead, they are being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers. This highlights that President Tinubu's absence is not unusual and does not signify a downgrade in Nigeria's diplomatic presence.
The United Nations General Assembly brings together world leaders annually to deliberate on global issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, economic cooperation, and international governance. Nigeria is expected to participate in bilateral meetings, multilateral discussions, and other diplomatic engagements during the high-level week through its delegation led by Vice President Shettima.
Ibrahim assured that Nigeria's position within the United Nations would remain unchanged despite President Tinubu's absence. 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. Nigeria's delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings.
President Tinubu is currently in France on his annual leave. Ibrahim urged Nigerians to view the country's participation through the broader lens of diplomatic protocol rather than the physical presence of the President. He emphasized that Nigeria will continue to play its role fully at the General Assembly, maintaining its designated seating arrangement, including its prominent front-row position.
The Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York issued a statement reiterating the country's commitment to active participation in the General Assembly. Ibrahim's assurance aims to alleviate concerns about Nigeria's representation at the global gathering. The country's engagement in the UNGA reflects its ongoing efforts to contribute to international dialogue and cooperation on pressing global issues.
Key points
- Nigeria's ambassador to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, confirms the country will maintain its front-row seat at the UNGA despite President Tinubu's absence.
- Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the high-level session on behalf of President Tinubu.
- Over 60% of world leaders at the UNGA are being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers due to their absence.
