By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, this September, where he will address world leaders on his administration’s reform achievements, participate in strategic side events, and engage in discussions on global development and regional security. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, announced the President’s participation on Wednesday after meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The announcement ends speculation over Nigeria’s participation at this year’s global gathering after Tinubu skipped the previous two editions of the UN General Assembly.
Tinubu to Present Nigeria’s Reform Agenda
Speaking to State House correspondents, Ibrahim said the President had accepted the invitation to attend the annual summit.
According to him, Tinubu’s address will highlight the progress recorded under his administration’s economic and governance reforms.
“It is significant because Mr President has a speech to give to the whole world about the reform success in Nigeria,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the President’s speech is scheduled for approximately 10:45 a.m. New York time, which corresponds to 3:45 p.m. Nigerian time, allowing Nigerians to watch the address live.
“So Nigeria will be effectively present at UNGA,” he stated.
Tinubu May Have Informal Encounter with Donald Trump
Although Ibrahim stopped short of confirming a formal bilateral meeting between Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump, he disclosed that both leaders would sit close to each other during the General Assembly.
“I won’t be able to tell you that there will be a meeting, but I can tell you clearly that President Tinubu will be sitting very, very close to Donald Trump in the front row,” Ibrahim said.
He further stressed that the Nigerian President would occupy a seat only a few places away from the American leader.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the seating arrangement said the proximity could create an opportunity for an informal interaction between both presidents, noting they have not previously held a public meeting.
President to Attend Key Side Events
Besides delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Tinubu will participate in several high-level side events during the General Assembly.
According to Ibrahim, the meetings will focus on:
- Power generation and energy development
- Education
- Hospital management and healthcare
He explained that the Presidency intentionally kept the itinerary manageable to allow the President to focus on priority engagements.
Nigeria, UN to Strengthen West African Border Security
Ibrahim also revealed that his discussions with Tinubu covered regional security, particularly border policing across West Africa.
He said the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the United Nations to improve security along the region’s porous borders.
According to Ibrahim, the UN intends to use West Africa as a case study for enhanced border policing and peacekeeping collaboration.
He noted that stronger border management would improve regional security and support ongoing peacekeeping efforts.
Ibrahim to Present UN’s 2027 Budget
In addition, Ibrahim disclosed that he will present the United Nations’ 2027 budget during the General Assembly in his capacity as Chairman of the UN Budget Committee.
He described the assignment as a significant responsibility that places Nigeria at the centre of one of the UN’s most important annual financial processes.
Tinubu Returns to UNGA After Two-Year Absence
Tinubu’s attendance at the 81st UNGA marks his return to the global summit after missing the last two sessions.
In 2024, the President remained in Nigeria to oversee domestic matters following severe flooding in several states. He delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation and deliver the country’s national statement.
Similarly, Shettima represented Nigeria at the 80th UN General Assembly in 2025 on behalf of the President.
This year’s participation signals Tinubu’s renewed engagement with global leaders as Nigeria seeks to strengthen international partnerships on economic reforms, security, healthcare, education and sustainable development.
