President Bola 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 in New York, United States.
The decision ends weeks of uncertainty over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders.
Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier indicated that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA in person.
However, the President departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in Europe, with London and France among his destinations, raising questions over his attendance at the UN gathering.
In a statement issued 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 the Nigerian 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.
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.”
According to the Presidency, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on major global issues, including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including discussions on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to advance its economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen its 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 concluding his engagements in New York.
