Tinubu Delegates Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s UNGA 2026 Mission

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, and has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the gathering.

The announcement ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding the President’s participation in the annual meeting of world leaders.

Questions about Tinubu’s attendance had followed an earlier Presidency announcement that he would return to Nigeria after a three-week vacation in Europe. That announcement did not indicate whether he would subsequently travel to New York.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that the President would attend, saying seating arrangements had been made for him near Donald Trump. The Presidency, however, did not clarify its position until Sunday.

In a statement, the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima had been mandated to 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.

According to Nkwocha, the delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

He said the General Debate would take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s priorities and positions on development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President is scheduled to participate in high-level discussions addressing the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

His programme also includes the customary reception for heads of delegation, where he is expected to join other world leaders attending the assembly.

Shettima will additionally hold bilateral meetings with representatives of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the gathering.

Nkwocha said these engagements would help Nigeria advance its economic diplomacy and strengthen relationships with international partners.

Discussions will also provide opportunities to press for changes to global financial systems and promote cooperation on sustainable development and climate finance.

The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his official engagements in New York.

Tinubu’s absence will mark the third consecutive UN General Assembly he has missed since taking office in 2023.