The presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, in person.
The announcement follows the declaration that the President will return to Nigeria after concluding a three-week vacation in Europe.
Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, disclosed the development in a statement released on Sunday.
Confirmation of Tinubu’s absence was further supported by a tentative speakers list obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), which indicates that Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s address during the high-level General Debate.
Recall that President Tinubu was scheduled as the tenth speaker during the morning session on Wednesday, September 23, the second day of the high-level General Debate.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly convened on September 8, 2026, with the high-level week taking place in New York City from September 22 to September 29.
Shettima To Lead Nigeria’s Delegation To 2026 UNGA
Meanwhile, following his absence, President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
According to Nkwocha, Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising ministers and other senior government officials, alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.
Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s position and priorities on major international issues affecting economic growth, international cooperation, peace and security, and national development.
Throughout UNGA week, the Vice President is expected to participate in high-level sessions focused on priorities critical to Nigeria and the African continent, including climate action and the Right to Development.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, he is expected to join other global leaders at the traditional reception for Heads of Delegation and engage in bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organizations, and development partners.
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