The Presidency has explained President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying his absence would not affect Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement or international standing.
Tinubu did not travel to the United States for the annual gathering of world leaders and instead directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation and deliver the country’s national statement.
This marks the third consecutive year that Tinubu has been absent from the UN General Assembly, with Shettima representing him in 2024 and 2025 as well.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, dismissed reports suggesting that Tinubu’s absence was connected to any restriction on his travel to the United States.
Osodi said the decision was not an indication of a weakening of Nigeria’s diplomatic role, stressing that the country remained actively engaged in international affairs.
He explained that the President had delegated the responsibility to Shettima, who was expected to represent Nigeria at the high-level session and communicate the administration’s position on issues of international importance.
The Nigerian delegation includes other senior government officials and state governors, with the country expected to participate in discussions on global security, economic development, climate change, international cooperation and other issues affecting developing countries.
The 2026 UN General Assembly is taking place amid major international challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, economic pressures and growing concerns over the governance and security implications of artificial intelligence.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria’s participation at the United Nations remains active despite the President’s decision not to attend the meeting personally.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement as the country continues its diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
