Tinubu Pulls Out of 81st UN General Assembly in New York

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, according to a source close to the Presidency. The development represents a change from earlier plans, when Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, publicly confirmed that Tinubu would attend the annual gathering and address world leaders.

A source close to the Presidency told SaharaReporters on September 18 that the President would not be travelling to New York for the high-level meeting, which begins on September 22. No reason was given for the reported change.

A provisional list of speakers had placed Tinubu as the 10th speaker during the morning session of the second day of the General Debate on Wednesday, September 23. His address was expected between approximately 11:30 a.m. and noon New York time, according to the reported schedule. The 81st UN General Assembly opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate runs from September 22 to 28.

The President’s expected attendance had previously been confirmed by Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, who said in July that Tinubu had agreed to participate and would use the platform to present Nigeria’s reforms and engage international partners on issues including regional border security.

With Tinubu reportedly staying away, Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation and deliver the country’s national statement.

Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the General Assembly in 2024 and 2025 respectively. A September 16 report also indicated that preparations were underway for Shettima to address the 81st UNGA, although a last-minute change had remained possible.

The Presidency had not publicly provided an official explanation for Tinubu’s reported absence as of the latest reports.

The 81st UN General Assembly is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The gathering will bring together world leaders and senior government officials to discuss issues including international peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.