The development followed the Presidency’s announcement that Tinubu would not personally attend the General Assembly, with Shettima expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the country would remain adequately represented despite the President’s absence. He explained that it was not unusual for countries to delegate representation to senior government officials when their presidents could not attend.
Ibrahim said Tinubu was currently in France on annual leave and that Shettima and other senior officials were positioned to represent Nigeria at the General Assembly. He also noted that more than 60 per cent of speakers listed for the ongoing UNGA were being represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers.
The Nigerian delegation includes Shettima, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s position and priorities on issues relating to peace and security, economic development, international cooperation and other matters of national interest.
He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners during the UNGA week.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria intends to use the engagements to advance its positions on reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima’s assignment is not his first representation of Tinubu at the annual gathering. He also represented the President at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UN General Assembly in 2024 and 2025.
The decision has nevertheless attracted political discussion. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar questioned Tinubu’s absence and sought an explanation for the President’s decision not to attend personally. His comments represent a political criticism of the decision rather than an established finding about the reason for Tinubu’s absence.
The Nigerian government has maintained that the country’s representation at the General Assembly remains intact, with Shettima expected to carry out the President’s mandate and participate in the diplomatic engagements surrounding the session.
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