Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York is now in doubt, after recent reports indicated that Vice President Kashim Shettima may represent Nigeria at the 81st session of the global gathering.
The development marks a change from earlier plans announced by Nigerian officials, who had said Tinubu would attend the 2026 United Nations General Assembly and present Nigeria’s position before world leaders.
The United Nations has scheduled the General Debate of the 81st General Assembly from September 22 to September 28, 2026, at its headquarters in New York. The high-level week is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Earlier Plan Was for Tinubu to Attend
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said in July that President Tinubu had confirmed his intention to attend the General Assembly.
At the time, Ibrahim said Tinubu was expected to present Nigeria’s reform agenda and participate in high-level engagements dealing with issues including energy, education and healthcare.
The Guardian and other Nigerian publications reported the announcement, with Ibrahim saying the President had agreed to attend the gathering and deliver an address.
The Federal Government had also indicated that Nigeria intended to use the international platform to present its economic and governance reforms and discuss issues affecting the country and the wider West African region.
However, subsequent reports have cast doubt on whether Tinubu will personally travel to New York.
Latest Reports Point to Shettima
Africa Intelligence reported on September 16 that Tinubu had dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to New York for the General Assembly and that Shettima was expected to deliver Nigeria’s address.
The report said that, unless there was a last-minute change, Shettima would represent Nigeria at the 81st session.
A separate report by SaharaReporters on September 18, citing a Presidency source, said Tinubu would not attend the General Assembly.
The conflicting reports mean the President’s participation should be treated as unsettled until the Nigerian government provides a definitive announcement.
What the United Nations Has Scheduled
The 81st session of the General Assembly formally opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate is scheduled to begin on September 22.
The UN says heads of state, heads of government and other senior representatives will address the General Assembly during the debate.
The programme includes discussions on major international issues, including peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, artificial intelligence governance, public health and the future of multilateral cooperation.
The gathering is therefore one of the most important annual diplomatic events for Nigeria, providing an opportunity for the country to present its priorities directly to the international community.
Why Nigeria’s Representation Matters
Whether Nigeria is represented by the President or Vice President, the country’s national statement at the General Assembly is expected to address issues of importance to Nigeria and the wider African region.
Nigeria traditionally uses major international forums to discuss economic development, investment, security, climate change, development financing and regional cooperation.
The country also remains an important actor in West Africa, particularly on questions involving regional security, economic integration and stability.
Earlier comments by Nigeria’s UN ambassador indicated that border security and cooperation with the United Nations were among issues being considered for the country’s international engagement.
The General Assembly also gives Nigeria an opportunity to engage with other governments on matters extending beyond the immediate national agenda.
A Broader International Agenda
Nigeria’s participation comes as world leaders prepare to discuss several major international challenges at the 2026 General Assembly.
Reuters reported that the meeting is taking place amid conflicts and diplomatic tensions involving the Middle East and Ukraine, while artificial intelligence governance has also emerged as an important issue.
The 2026 General Assembly is also taking place during a period of transition at the United Nations, with Secretary-General António Guterres approaching the end of his term later this year.
These issues are likely to shape the wider diplomatic environment in which Nigeria delivers its national statement.
Tinubu’s Previous UNGA Record
Tinubu addressed the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023 during his first year in office.
During that appearance, he discussed Nigeria’s economic reform programme, investment opportunities, climate-related issues and security concerns.
He did not attend the 79th session in 2024, when Nigeria reduced the size of its delegation as part of efforts to control official travel expenses.
The 2026 gathering would therefore have represented another opportunity for the President to personally outline Nigeria’s position before the international community.
What Happens Next
The immediate question is whether President Tinubu will ultimately travel to New York or whether Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Earlier official statements confirmed the President’s planned attendance, while more recent reports indicate a change in arrangements.
Until the Presidency or another authoritative Nigerian government source confirms the final arrangement, reports about Tinubu personally addressing the General Assembly should be treated as subject to change.
The United Nations General Assembly’s high-level General Debate will continue through September 28, with world leaders and senior representatives presenting their countries’ positions on global and regional issues.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- United Nations General Assembly
- United Nations High-Level Week 2026
- United Nations President of the General Assembly
- The State House, Abuja
- Reuters
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Africa Intelligence
- SaharaReporters
- BusinessDay
