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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

“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.”

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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.

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