President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed that he will not attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation.
The development ends weeks of uncertainty over the President’s participation in the annual high-level gathering, after Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier indicated that Tinubu would attend the session.
In a statement on Sunday, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman for the Vice President, said Shettima would lead a high-level delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States,” the statement said.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 26 and September 28, according to the United Nations. The theme of the session is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on issues including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.
The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings and other engagements during the UNGA week, including discussions on the right to development, climate action and issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.
According to the statement, Shettima is expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
The engagements are expected to focus on Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.
The UN General Assembly’s high-level week begins on September 21, with the General Debate scheduled to run from September 22 to 26 and on September 28.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.
