President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria will not attend the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, the Presidency has confirmed. This marks the third year in a row that Tinubu has skipped the annual gathering of world leaders in person. Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation instead, as mandated by Tinubu. The confirmation was made through a statement from the Vice President's office.
Shettima will lead a delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and senior officials. During the assembly, Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement, participate in high-level meetings on the right to development and climate action, and engage in bilateral talks on the sidelines. The General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."
The confirmation of Tinubu's absence followed weeks of speculation. Earlier, Daily Trust reported that the Presidency had announced Tinubu's return home after a three-week vacation in Europe. However, SaharaReporters cited a source close to the Presidency, stating that Tinubu would not attend. This development is consistent with a pattern observed since 2024, when Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions, delivering Nigeria's national statements on both occasions.
In 2024, the Presidency cited Tinubu's focus on domestic issues, particularly after devastating flooding, as the reason for his absence. However, no official explanation has been provided for this year's absence. A US lobbying firm working for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar claimed that a long-lobbied meeting between Tinubu and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines was canceled, although the firm did not provide supporting documents.
The absence of Nigeria's president from the UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year may be seen by critics as diminishing Nigeria's presence in the biggest diplomatic forum. However, supporters can argue that Shettima carries the country's position in full and that economic diplomacy continues through other channels. Shettima's participation ensures Nigeria's voice is represented at the assembly.
According to Channels TV, Shettima departed for New York to represent Tinubu at the UN General Assembly. Radio Nigeria Ibadan also reported that Shettima would represent Tinubu at the 81st UN General Assembly. Streamlinefeed noted that Tinubu's absence marks the third consecutive year he has skipped the event, with Shettima leading the delegation.
Despite the controversy surrounding Tinubu's absence, the Vice President's participation in the UN General Assembly highlights Nigeria's continued engagement with global diplomatic efforts. As reported by allAfrica/NAN, Shettima is set to deliver Nigeria's national statement on behalf of President Tinubu. This development underscores the country's commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy.
Key points
- - President Bola Tinubu will skip the 81st UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year. - Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria's delegation to the assembly. - Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings during the assembly.
