Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Presidency confirmed the development on Sunday, September 20, 2026, following President Tinubu’s decision not to attend the high-level gathering in person.
In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the President mandated Shettima to represent him at the annual gathering of world leaders.
The Nigerian delegation will include 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, outlining the country’s priorities on issues including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
He will also participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and the African continent.
According to the Presidency, the Vice President is expected to use the engagements to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, deepen strategic partnerships and strengthen the country’s position on reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The decision marks a change from earlier plans for President Tinubu to attend the UNGA and address world leaders. It was reported in July that Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had said the President had confirmed his intention to attend the session.
Tinubu’s absence also comes as he concludes a three-week annual vacation in Europe. The Presidency announced on August 30 that the President had departed Abuja for Europe for his annual leave, with London as his first destination, and said he was expected to return to Nigeria after the vacation.
The 81st UN General Assembly opened on September 8, 2026, while the high-level week is scheduled for September 22 to 29 at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The UN’s official programme shows that the General Debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and resume on September 28. The debate brings together heads of state and government and other high-level representatives to address major international issues.
The theme of this year’s General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima’s assignment will be his third time leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA since the Tinubu administration came into office. He delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the 2024 and 2025 sessions, while Tinubu last attended the General Assembly in 2023.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.