WHY SHETTIMA IS REPRESENTING TINUBU AT UNGA — MINISTER

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained that President Bola Tinubu asked Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the 81st United Nations General Assembly because the President is currently on annual leave.

Idris said Shettima was carrying the full mandate of the President and Nigeria, dismissing suggestions that Tinubu’s absence would diminish the country’s diplomatic standing.

The minister said the President’s decision to send his deputy to the UNGA was neither unusual nor a reflection of any reduced diplomatic status for Nigeria.

Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA in New York, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

Idris said the Vice President’s engagements would focus on Nigeria’s priorities, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.

The minister added that Nigeria would be fully represented throughout the high-level session.

The explanation came amid public discussions over Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering of world leaders. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier indicated that the President would attend the 81st UNGA.

Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe before the Presidency later announced that he would return to Nigeria after his leave.

The 81st 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 outline Nigeria’s position on major global issues and hold meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners during the gathering.

Idris also addressed criticism of Tinubu’s absence, saying the Federal Government had taken note of comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him.