RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in person, the Presidency has confirmed.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will instead lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level meeting, according to a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
The development follows the Presidency’s announcement that Mr Tinubu would return to Nigeria after spending about three weeks on vacation in Europe.
Mr Nkwocha said the President had directed the Vice President to represent him at the UN General Assembly.
The President’s absence was further indicated in the provisional list of speakers for the high-level General Debate obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Mr Shettima is listed to deliver Nigeria’s statement during the General Debate, while Mr Tinubu is no longer scheduled to address the gathering as earlier indicated.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on September 8, 2026, while the high-level segment is scheduled for September 22 to 29 in New York.
The annual gathering brings together world leaders and senior government officials to discuss international peace and security, development, climate change and other global issues.
Mr Shettima is expected to outline Nigeria’s priorities and positions during the General Debate and participate in bilateral and other high-level meetings on the sidelines of the session.
The Vice President will lead a delegation comprising senior government officials, including ministers and state governors.
