Osodi Says Nigeria’s International Role Remains Unaffected as Shettima Leads 81st UNGA Delegation
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Osodi, has defended the President’s decision to skip the United Nations General Assembly for the third consecutive year.
The Presidency announced on Sunday that Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent President Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The decision has drawn criticism from former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who has demanded an explanation for President Tinubu continued absence.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Osodi said Tinubu’s absence would not affect Nigeria’s role in international affairs.
He said the President was focused on domestic priorities, including the economy and security, while also engaging with other regional, continental and international organisations.
“With or without his presence, there will not be a change in Nigeria’s role as the giant of Africa, the leader of the economic resurgence of Africa,” Osodi said.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said President Tinubu was absent from the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing him on both occasions.
Atiku said Shettima would again lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st session, arguing that the repeated absence should no longer be treated as routine delegation.
He said the UNGA provides world leaders with opportunities to defend national interests, negotiate partnerships, attract investment and development financing, and engage other countries on trade, security and development.
Atiku acknowledged that the Vice President could represent Nigeria but argued that repeated delegation could not replace the President’s personal presence and visibility at a major diplomatic gathering.