Tinubu Absent From UNGA, Shettima To Lead Nigeria Delegation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be physically present at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York.

The President is currently on a three-week vacation in Europe. According to the Presidency, he will return to Nigeria after the break.

The development was announced on Sunday by the spokesman to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Stanley Nkwocha.

In a statement, Nkwocha said President Tinubu has directed the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly.

The President’s absence was further confirmed by the provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

The list showed that Vice President Shettima will represent Nigeria at the high-level General Debate.

President Tinubu had earlier been listed as the 10th speaker. He was scheduled to speak during the morning session on the second day of the debate, Wednesday, September 23.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly began on September 8, 2026. The high-level week will hold from September 22 to 29 in New York City.

Vice President Shettima is now expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and hold bilateral meetings on behalf of the country.