Vice President to Lead Nigerian Delegation, Deliver National Statement in New York
President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
The decision ends weeks of uncertainty over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said in July that Tinubu would attend the UNGA in person. However, the President travelled to Europe on August 30 for a three-week vacation, raising questions about his attendance.
In a statement on Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed that Shettima would lead the Nigerian delegation.
The delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on global issues relating to national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
He will also participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of importance to Nigeria and Africa.
According to the Presidency, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The engagements are expected to focus on Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.