Nigeria’ll be adequately represented at UNGA despite Tinubu’s absence – Envoy

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Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has assured that the country will be adequately represented at the 81st United Nations General Assembly despite President Bola Tinubu’s absence.

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Ibrahim said more than 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the ongoing UNGA were being represented by either their vice presidents or foreign ministers.

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The envoy stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Nigerian Mission to the United Nations in New York and posted on his Facebook page.

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He said Nigeria would retain its designated position at the UNGA, including its front-row seat, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Tinubu.

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Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other senior government officials would join Shettima at the high-level session.

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According to him, it was not unusual for countries to delegate representation to senior government officials when their presidents were unable to attend.

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“The Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are adequately positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly and participate fully in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session.”

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The envoy said Tinubu would not personally attend the session because he was currently in France on annual leave.

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“The absence of the President should not be interpreted as Nigeria being inadequately represented. Our delegation will continue to participate fully in the proceedings.”

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Ibrahim urged Nigerians to view the country’s participation within the broader context of diplomatic representation, stressing that Nigeria would continue to play its role fully at the General Assembly.

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The statement followed the Presidency’s announcement on Sunday that Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA in New York.n

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The delegation also includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

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Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate and participate in high-level and bilateral meetings.

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The General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

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The development followed earlier reports that Tinubu was expected to personally attend the 81st UNGA.

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Ibrahim had said in July that arrangements had been made for the President to attend, including provisions for him to sit close to US President Donald Trump.

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Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UNGA in 2024 and 2025.

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