Nigeria's Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has clarified that Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) due to the President's annual leave. According to Idris, Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Minister made this statement amid public commentary over Tinubu's absence from the high-level gathering.
President Tinubu had mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York, where the Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements. Idris emphasized that Shettima's engagements in New York would advance Nigeria's priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
The Minister's statement came amid criticism of the President's absence, with some suggesting that Tinubu's non-attendance would diminish Nigeria's diplomatic standing. However, Idris dismissed these claims, stating that the President's decision to ask Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country's diplomatic standing. He added that Nigeria would be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all." Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's position on major global issues, while also participating in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organizations, and development partners.
Earlier, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had stated that Tinubu would personally attend the 81st UNGA, with arrangements reportedly made for the President to sit close to United States President Joe Biden, not Donald Trump as reported. However, Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, sparking speculation over whether he would attend the UNGA in person.
The Presidency subsequently announced that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after his leave, prompting further speculation. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced that Shettima would represent Tinubu and lead the Nigerian delegation. Idris also addressed criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organization retained by him.
The Minister's clarification aims to put to rest concerns over Nigeria's representation at the UNGA. With Shettima leading the delegation, Nigeria is expected to maintain its diplomatic engagement with the international community. The country's priorities, including peace and security, economic development, and climate action, will be advanced through Shettima's participation in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
Key points
- President Tinubu is on annual leave, and Vice President Shettima is representing him at the 81st UNGA.
- Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Nigeria's priorities, including peace and security, economic development, and climate action, will be advanced through Shettima's participation in the UNGA.
