Nigeria’ll Be Adequately Represented at UNGA Despite Tinubu’s Absence

Nigeria will be adequately represented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly despite President Bola Tinubu’s absence, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has said.

Ibrahim said Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other senior government officials, would represent the country during the high-level session in New York.

The envoy made the clarification in a statement issued by the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations on Sunday.

He said more than 60 per cent of countries listed to speak at the ongoing General Assembly were being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers.

According to him, Nigeria would retain its designated position at the General Assembly, including its front-row seat, while Shettima represents the President.

Ibrahim, who also chairs the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, said the absence of a president from the General Assembly does not prevent a country from participating fully in the proceedings.

He said Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu were adequately positioned to represent Nigeria in diplomatic engagements surrounding the session.

The envoy added that other senior Nigerian government officials would also participate in the activities of the General Assembly.

The Presidency announced on Sunday that Tinubu had mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.

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

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

The General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

The Vice President is also expected to participate in discussions on development, climate action and issues considered important to Nigeria and Africa.

The delegation will also engage leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on economic diplomacy, sustainable development, climate finance and reforms to the global financial architecture.

Ibrahim said Nigeria’s participation should be viewed within the broader context of diplomatic representation and continuity.

He urged Nigerians to recognise that countries routinely delegate representation to senior officials when presidents are unable to attend major international meetings.

Tinubu is currently in France on annual leave and will not personally attend the UNGA session.

Nigeria previously had Shettima represent Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the General Assembly in 2024 and 2025.