President Bola Tinubu will join other world leaders to address the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2026. Tinubu is scheduled to speak during the morning session on the second day of the high-level General Debate. The provisional programme lists him as the 10th speaker.
A provisional list obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria shows that Tinubu will deliver Nigeria’s statement between 11:30am and noon New York time. This corresponds to 4:30pm and 5pm Nigerian time. The Nigerian leader will join representatives from all 193 UN member states. More than 150 heads of state and government are expected to attend, alongside vice presidents, deputy prime ministers, ministers and other senior officials.
Tinubu to attend key UN meetings
The high-level General Debate will run from September 22 to 28 at the UN headquarters in New York. During the week, Tinubu will also participate in several high-level meetings, side events and major summits. These engagements will cover issues including climate action, rising sea levels and pandemic preparedness.
Traditionally, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will open the General Debate on September 22. US President Donald Trump will follow as the leader of the host country. Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman will preside over the 81st session, which has the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Tinubu will also hold a high-level meeting with outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026. The President is also expected to meet with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who has held the position since 2017.
However, UN sources told NAN that officials could still adjust the speaking schedule depending on the attendance of world leaders. Nigeria has historically secured prominent speaking positions during the first or second day of the General Debate.
Nigeria to highlight reforms
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has confirmed Tinubu’s attendance at the 2026 UN General Assembly. Ibrahim said the President’s participation would give Nigeria an opportunity to present the reforms of his administration to the international community. He added that Tinubu would use the UN platform to engage stakeholders on border policing in West Africa. According to Ibrahim, the region’s porous borders remain a major security challenge.
The ambassador said the Federal Government is working with the UN on a regional border policing initiative. Nigeria will seek broader international support for the programme during the assembly. Ibrahim also said Tinubu could meet with Trump on the sidelines of the event.
Tinubu attended the 78th UN General Assembly in person in 2023. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025. Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement during both sessions. He also retained Nigeria’s day-one speaking slots through what officials described as diplomatic manoeuvring by the country’s Permanent Mission to the UN.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly will open on September 8. The high-level General Debate will then run from September 22 to 28. The annual gathering brings together heads of state, government leaders, ministers and senior officials to discuss major global issues. These issues include climate change, sustainable development, international peace and security.
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