President Bola Ahmed Tinubu misses UNGA again as he will not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York in person, leaving Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation at the annual gathering of world leaders. The decision marks the third consecutive year that Tinubu has not personally attended the high-level UN meeting since he addressed the 78th session in 2023.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Shettima would represent the President and lead a high-level Nigerian delegation during the General Assembly, where he will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in several diplomatic engagements. The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Tinubu personally attended the 78th UNGA in 2023, shortly after taking office as President. Shettima represented him at the 79th session in 2024 and the 80th session in 2025, and he will now represent him again at the 81st session. This means Shettima has delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate for three consecutive years.
Tinubu Misses UNGA as Presidency Explains Decision
The Presidency has linked Tinubu’s decision to his focus on domestic priorities, particularly the economy and security, alongside other international engagements that it considers important to Nigeria. Presidential aide Ademola Osodi said the President’s attention was required at home while also stressing that Nigeria continues to engage through several regional and international platforms.
Osodi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, also rejected suggestions that Tinubu’s absence had anything to do with difficulties involving United States authorities. He said there was no impediment preventing the President from travelling to the US and pointed to Tinubu’s previous visits as evidence that he has travelled there without such restrictions.
The explanation comes as Tinubu’s repeated absence from the UNGA has generated public discussion, particularly because the gathering provides national leaders with an opportunity to address the international community and hold meetings with foreign governments, international organisations and potential partners.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also questioned Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the gathering for a third consecutive year. Atiku called for an explanation and raised questions about the implications of repeated presidential absence, while the Presidency has maintained that Shettima’s representation allows Nigeria to participate fully in the diplomatic programme.
Shettima Arrives in New York for UNGA
Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation, accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials. Several Nigerian officials and diplomats received him after his arrival.
Speaking ahead of the General Assembly, Shettima said Nigeria would base its engagements on national interest and its commitment to multilateralism while continuing to push for reforms of global institutions. He said Nigeria wants international institutions to become more representative, equitable and responsive to current economic and demographic realities.
During the General Debate, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and present the country’s position on major international issues, including peace and security, development, economic growth and international cooperation. He will also participate in high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners.
Nigeria is expected to use the meetings to advance its interests on issues such as international financial reforms, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
The 81st UNGA therefore provides Nigeria with another opportunity to present its priorities on the international stage, with Shettima handling the country’s high-level representation in Tinubu’s absence.
