President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the Presidency has confirmed.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been directed to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual gathering of world leaders, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman for the Vice President.
The Presidency said the decision followed Tinubu’s plan to return to Nigeria after his three-week vacation in Europe.
Shettima’s representation was also reflected in a provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), replacing Tinubu, who had earlier been listed to deliver Nigeria’s statement on Wednesday, September 23.
The UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28 in New York. The 81st session opened on September 8, 2026.
Shettima is expected to lead a delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers, and other senior government officials.
