The Presidency has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will not constitute a diplomatic setback for Nigeria. According to Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the country's delegation and deliver Nigeria's national statement at the UNGA on Thursday. Shettima will also participate in high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements on behalf of the country.
President Tinubu personally represented Nigeria at the 2023 UNGA, while Shettima represented the country in 2024 and 2025. The Vice President arrived in New York on Sunday night, accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite, and other senior officials. They will engage in various diplomatic activities during the gathering.
The Presidency responded to criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who claimed that Tinubu's absence diminished Nigeria's participation at the global event. Onanuga described Atiku's comments as "baseless" and "irresponsible," stressing that Shettima was representing the President at the global meeting.
The Presidency also addressed suggestions that Tinubu may have stayed away from the UNGA due to possible legal or immigration restrictions in the United States. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol Ademola Oshodi dismissed these claims as "pure politics" and "silly season" comments aimed at gaining electoral advantage.
According to Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, more than 60 per cent of invited presidents and prime ministers will be represented by vice presidents or foreign affairs ministers during the UNGA. Ibrahim said Tinubu's absence was not a minus for the country, as many leaders would not be attending in person.
Shettima will use the gathering to advance Tinubu's call for reforms of global institutions and a fairer international order. Nigeria will also renew its campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, based on its population, role in regional security, contribution to global peacekeeping, and position as Africa's largest economy.
Several state governors attending the UNGA are expected to use the gathering to court foreign investment. Rivers Governor Fubara is seeking partnerships around the state's oil and gas resources, while Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule and Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris will promote investment opportunities, particularly in solid minerals.
Key points
- The Presidency downplays Tinubu's absence from the UNGA, citing adequate representation by Vice President Shettima.
- Nigeria will use the UNGA to advance its call for reforms of global institutions and a fairer international order.
- Several state governors are attending the UNGA to court foreign investment for their respective states.
