President Bola Tinubu did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) because he is currently on annual leave, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained.
Idris said Tinubu mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the high-level gathering in New York, dismissing suggestions that the President’s absence would diminish Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
In a statement on Monday, the minister said, “President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, and his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.”
He added that Shettima “carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate, scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” He will also participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
According to Idris, Shettima’s engagements in New York will advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
“Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” he said.
The minister’s statement came amid public commentary over Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering of world leaders. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said in July that Tinubu would personally attend the 81st UNGA, with arrangements reportedly made for the President to sit close to United States President Donald Trump.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, with London as his first destination before proceeding to France. The Presidency subsequently announced that Tinubu would return to Nigeria after his leave, prompting speculation over whether he would attend the UNGA in person.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, announced that Shettima would represent Tinubu and lead the Nigerian delegation.
Idris also addressed criticism of the President’s absence, saying the Federal Government had noted comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him.
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