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The Federal Government has confirmed that Nigeria will be fully represented at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the country’s delegation.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent him at the high-level gathering.
Shettima, who arrived in New York on September 20, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The Federal Government said the Vice President would represent the President with the full mandate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the government, Nigeria’s engagements at the General Assembly will focus on issues including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The 81st UN General Assembly officially opened on September 8, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
The government said President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, adding that the decision to delegate the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation was neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing. The State House separately confirmed that Tinubu’s working vacation had been extended by a few days and that he is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend.
The Federal Government also responded to comments from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him concerning Tinubu’s absence from the General Assembly.
The government said political opposition and public debate were legitimate features of democracy but urged political actors to distinguish between verified information, political opinion and speculation when discussing issues affecting Nigeria’s international relationships.
It also highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, covering areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people relations.
The government said Nigeria’s international engagements would continue through established diplomatic and governmental channels.
Meanwhile, Shettima said in New York that Nigeria’s participation would be guided by national interest and a commitment to multilateralism. He said the country would also continue to advocate reforms that give developing countries, including those in Africa, greater representation in global decision-making.
During the General Assembly, the Vice President is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners on issues of direct interest to Nigeria.
