President Bola 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 Presidency announced the development on Sunday, ending weeks of speculation over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders.
In July, Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said Tinubu would personally attend the 81st UNGA.
However, Tinubu travelled out of Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, with London as his first destination before proceeding to France.
The decision for Shettima to represent the President was disclosed in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
According to the statement, Shettima will lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The delegation will represent Nigeria throughout the high-level meetings and engagements scheduled during the UNGA week.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28, 2026.
The theme for this year’s General Debate is:
“Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The Presidency said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
His address is expected to outline Nigeria’s position and priorities on major international issues affecting national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
Beyond the General Debate, the Vice President is scheduled to participate in several high-level meetings during UNGA week.
According to the Presidency, the engagements will include discussions on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.
Shettima is also expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation alongside other world leaders.
The Vice President will further hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance the Tinubu administration’s economic diplomacy and deepen strategic partnerships.
The government also intends to use the meetings to strengthen Nigeria’s position on issues including:
- Reform of the global financial architecture
- Sustainable development
- Climate finance
- Multilateral cooperation
- International partnerships
The Presidency said the engagements would also strengthen Nigeria’s voice on issues affecting the country and the wider African continent.
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According to the statement, Shettima will return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.
His participation will therefore place the Vice President at the head of Nigeria’s official delegation for the 81st UN General Assembly, where he is expected to present the country’s national priorities and participate in bilateral and multilateral discussions.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 22 to 28, 2026.
