The Nigerian Presidency has addressed concerns over President Bola Tinubu's decision to skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the third consecutive year. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, stated that Tinubu's absence would not undermine Nigeria's diplomatic standing or its role in African affairs. Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the UNGA in New York. Osodi emphasized that the President's presence is crucial at home, particularly on issues of economy and security.
Osodi rejected claims that Tinubu's absence is linked to any travel restrictions imposed by the United States. He described such suggestions as "old chestnuts" and attributed them to politics. The presidential aide cited previous trips to the US with Tinubu as evidence that the President has been able to travel to the country without issues. He recalled accompanying Tinubu to the UN General Assembly in 2023 and a later trip to Yokohama, Japan, via Los Angeles.
Tinubu attended the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023 but missed the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Shettima represented him at both gatherings and will again lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st session. The 81st UNGA general debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings.
According to the Presidency, the delegation will use the meetings to advance Nigeria's economic diplomacy and strengthen partnerships on issues including development, climate finance, and reform of the global financial system. This effort aims to promote Nigeria's economic interests and foster cooperation with other nations. The delegation's activities will be crucial in maintaining Nigeria's diplomatic presence at the UNGA.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized Tinubu's repeated absence, demanding an explanation. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that while Shettima can represent Nigeria, repeated delegation cannot fully replace the President's personal participation at a major diplomatic gathering like the UNGA.
Atiku questioned whether Tinubu's past legal history in the US had any bearing on his repeated absence, although he acknowledged that the presidency had announced no legal restriction preventing Tinubu from entering the country. The presidency has rejected this suggestion, maintaining that there is no impediment to Tinubu traveling to the US. Osodi's comments emphasized that Tinubu's focus on domestic concerns is a priority.
Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, has also defended the country's representation at the General Assembly. Ibrahim stated that the absence of the President should not be interpreted as inadequate representation, noting that Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will participate in diplomatic engagements. He emphasized that it is not unusual for countries to delegate representation to senior officials when their presidents cannot attend.
Key points
- The Nigerian Presidency denies that President Tinubu's absence at the UNGA is due to US travel restrictions.
- Vice President Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.
- The delegation aims to advance Nigeria's economic diplomacy and strengthen partnerships on development, climate finance, and global financial system reform.
