President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly physically in New York.
The Presidency confirmed the development on Sunday. Tinubu had earlier planned to attend the high-level General Debate.
However, he will return to Nigeria after his three-week vacation in Europe. Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global meeting.
Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman to Vice President Shettima, confirmed the change in a statement. He said Tinubu had directed Shettima to represent Nigeria at the UN General Assembly. The development also matches a provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to the list, Shettima will speak for Nigeria during the high-level General Debate. Tinubu was initially listed as the 10th speaker for the morning session on Wednesday, September 23.
The 81st UN General Assembly opened on September 8, 2026. Its high-level week will run from September 22 to 29 in New York City. Shettima’s appearance will now represent Nigeria at the major diplomatic gathering.
