President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has not personally attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for three consecutive years, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing him instead. Tinubu first appeared at the UNGA in 2023, where he delivered Nigeria's national statement, focusing on Africa's development, global inequality, and security priorities. However, his speech did not mention Palestine, a topic that would later become a significant part of Nigeria's UNGA statements.
In 2024, Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th UNGA, delivering Nigeria's national statement, which directly addressed the Gaza conflict and Palestinian territories. Shettima described the situation in Gaza as a matter that could not be ignored, reaffirming Nigeria's support for the two-state solution. This marked a significant shift in Nigeria's stance on Palestine, with the issue becoming an explicit part of the country's national statement.
The focus on Palestine continued in 2025, with Shettima again representing Tinubu at the 80th UNGA. In his statement, Shettima referred to the violence and aggression against civilians in Gaza, reaffirming Nigeria's position that a two-state solution remained the path to lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis. This consistent messaging demonstrates Nigeria's growing engagement with the Palestinian issue.
For the 81st UNGA in 2026, Shettima is leading Nigeria's delegation and is expected to present the country's national statement. However, as of September 22, the statement has not yet been delivered. It remains to be seen whether Tinubu's absence from the UNGA will continue and how Nigeria's stance on Palestine will evolve.
The debate over Tinubu's absence from the UNGA raises questions about the legal implications of his non-attendance. According to the UN Charter, there is no provision requiring a member state's president to personally attend the General Assembly. Article 9 provides for the General Assembly to consist of all UN member states, allowing each member to have up to five representatives.
Nigeria's representation at the UNGA, despite Tinubu's absence, has been maintained through Vice President Shettima's participation. Shettima has delivered Nigeria's national statements in 2024 and 2025, and is expected to do so again in 2026. This arrangement has ensured that Nigeria's voice is heard at the UNGA, even in the president's absence.
The significance of the UNGA extends beyond the formal national statement, with bilateral meetings, negotiations, and diplomatic consultations taking place around the General Debate. While a President's physical presence can create opportunities for direct engagement, a Vice President leading a national delegation can also conduct diplomatic engagements and present the country's positions effectively.
Key points
- Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the UNGA for three consecutive years, shifting the focus towards Palestine.
- The 2024 and 2025 UNGA statements delivered by Shettima directly addressed the Gaza conflict and Palestinian territories, marking a significant shift in Nigeria's stance.
- The legal implications of Tinubu's non-attendance at the UNGA do not constitute a violation of international law, as there is no requirement for a member state's president to personally attend.
