The Federal Government of Nigeria has defended President Bola Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, stating that the country is fully represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu had given Shettima full mandate to lead Nigeria's delegation and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements. This move is said to advance Nigeria's priorities on peace and security, economic development, and climate action.
The government's response comes after criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned Tinubu's repeated absence from the UNGA for the third consecutive year. Atiku argued that while the Vice President could constitutionally represent the country, repeated delegation could not substitute for the President's personal presence at the major diplomatic gathering. However, the government rejected Atiku's suggestions, stating that speculation about Tinubu's past in the United States should not be presented as established fact.
Idris said Tinubu is currently on annual leave and his decision to delegate the responsibility to the Vice President is "neither unusual nor a diminution of the country's diplomatic standing." The government also maintained that Nigeria's relationship with the United States remained strong, covering trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability, and people-to-people ties. This relationship is conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels.
Shettima, who arrived in New York on Sunday, said Nigeria would use the UNGA to press for reforms of international institutions to give developing countries, particularly African nations, a stronger voice in global decision-making. He stated that Nigeria's participation would be guided by national interest and its commitment to multilateralism. The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders and international organisations.
The 81st UNGA General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." Shettima's engagements would focus on advancing Nigeria's priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, and international cooperation. The Vice President will lead the Nigerian delegation throughout the high-level session.
Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not personally attend the 79th session in 2024 or the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing him on both occasions. The government urged political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria's international relationships and national reputation. This comes as the country's diplomatic standing is being scrutinised.
The Federal Government maintained that Nigeria is fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session, despite Tinubu's absence. Shettima will continue to push for stronger African voices and global reforms during the UNGA.
Key points
- The Nigerian government defends President Tinubu's absence from the 81st UNGA.
- Vice President Shettima leads Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA.
- Nigeria pushes for reforms in international institutions.
