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• Shettima to push for stronger African voice, global reforms
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, insisting that Nigeria is fully represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima and that the President’s non-attendance does not diminish the country’s diplomatic standing.
The government’s response followed criticism by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering for the third consecutive year.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement that Tinubu had given Shettima full mandate to lead Nigeria’s delegation, deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
“Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” Idris said.
He said Shettima’s engagements would advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation.
According to the minister, Tinubu is currently on annual leave and his decision to delegate the responsibility to the Vice President is “neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing.”
The government also rejected suggestions by Atiku that Tinubu’s repeated absence from UNGA could be linked to issues concerning his past in the United States.
It said while political opposition and robust public debate were legitimate features of democracy, speculation should not be presented as established fact.
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“The Government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation,” Idris said.
Atiku had questioned Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA for the third consecutive year, arguing that although the Vice President could constitutionally represent the country, repeated delegation could not substitute for the President’s personal presence at the major diplomatic gathering.
Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not personally attend the 79th session in 2024 or the 80th in 2025, with Shettima representing him on both occasions. Shettima is again leading the Nigerian delegation at the 81st session.
The Federal Government, however, maintained that Nigeria’s relationship with the United States remained strong, covering trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
It said the bilateral relationship was conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan political commentary or the activities of private lobbying organisations.
Meanwhile, Shettima, who arrived in New York on Sunday, said Nigeria would use the UNGA to press for reforms of international institutions to give developing countries, particularly African nations, a stronger voice in global decision-making. He said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by national interest and its commitment to multilateralism.
“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” Shettima said.
The Vice President is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and hold bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners during the high-level session.
The 81st UNGA General Debate runs from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
