81st UNGA: Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation for Third Time Since 2024

Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidency announced the development on Sunday, saying Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the gathering.

The delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

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 positions and priorities on major global issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The Vice-President will also participate in high-level meetings focusing on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

He 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.

According to the Presidency, the engagements will provide Nigeria an opportunity to advance its economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s voice on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

Shettima’s assignment marks the third consecutive year he will represent Tinubu at the UN General Assembly.

He delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 79th UNGA in 2024 and again addressed the 80th session in 2025.

Tinubu personally attended and addressed the 78th session in 2023, months after assuming office.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the country would remain adequately represented despite the President’s absence.

Ibrahim said Nigeria would retain its designated position at the General Assembly and participate fully in the proceedings, with Shettima representing the President.

The development has also drawn criticism from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned Tinubu’s repeated absence from the gathering and called for an explanation.

The Presidency has maintained that Shettima’s participation will ensure Nigeria is represented in the high-level diplomatic engagements surrounding the 81st UNGA. The Vice-President is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York, where he will hold meetings with international partners on issues of interest to the country.