President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
The decision ends weeks of uncertainty over whether the President would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said in July that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA in person. He had also disclosed that arrangements had been made for the Nigerian President to sit close to United States President Donald Trump during the General Assembly.
However, Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, travelling first to London before proceeding to France. His absence subsequently raised questions about whether he would make it to the UN gathering.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Presidency confirmed that Shettima would lead Nigeria’s delegation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States,” the statement said.
According to the Presidency, Shettima will be accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from 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 during the General Debate, presenting the country’s position on issues relating to national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President is also scheduled to attend high-level meetings focusing on areas including the Right to Development and climate action, as well as other issues considered important to Nigeria and the African continent.
He is expected to participate in the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral discussions with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners during the UNGA week.
The Presidency said the engagements would be used to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strengthen strategic partnerships and promote the country’s position on issues including reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.
Tinubu had previously attended the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023. Shettima represented him at the 79th session in 2024 and again at the 80th session in 2025.