By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 22 to 28, 2026, as the Federal Government explains the President’s absence due to his annual leave.
Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s UNGA Delegation
President Tinubu mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA.
The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
He will also attend high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
These engagements will involve world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The General Debate will run from September 22 to 28, 2026.
The session will focus on the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Idris Explains Tinubu’s Absence
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris explained the President’s decision.
According to Idris, Tinubu is currently on annual leave.
He said the decision to delegate the Vice President is neither unusual nor a diplomatic setback.
“Vice President Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Idris said.
He added that Nigeria would remain fully represented throughout the high-level session.
Shettima to Advance Nigeria’s Global Priorities
Idris said Shettima would promote Nigeria’s priorities during his New York engagements.
These priorities include peace and security.
They also cover economic development and climate action.
In addition, Shettima will discuss global financial architecture reforms.
He will also promote sustainable development and international cooperation.
Therefore, the government expects Nigeria to maintain an active diplomatic presence.
Government Responds to Criticism
The minister also addressed criticism over Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA.
Idris said the Federal Government had noted comments from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He also mentioned a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by Atiku.
Atiku had publicly questioned Tinubu’s decision not to attend the gathering.
However, Nigeria’s UN envoy, Jimoh Ibrahim, offered a different perspective.
Ibrahim said Nigeria would remain adequately represented at the global meeting.
He also noted that senior officials often represent countries at such events.
Earlier Plans for Tinubu’s UNGA Attendance
Ibrahim had earlier said Tinubu would personally attend the 81st UNGA.
Reports also indicated plans for Tinubu to sit close to United States President Donald Trump.
However, the Presidency later announced Shettima as Nigeria’s delegation leader.
The announcement followed Tinubu’s annual leave.
The President reportedly departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe.
London was his first destination before he proceeded to France.
Nigeria Maintains Diplomatic Representation
The Presidency has maintained that Shettima carries Tinubu’s full mandate.
Consequently, his participation will cover Nigeria’s key diplomatic engagements.
The Vice President will represent the country during the high-level meetings.
He will also deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government insists that Tinubu’s absence will not affect Nigeria’s participation.
Nigeria is expected to use the UNGA platform to advance its foreign policy priorities.
