President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which begins today in New York, will not constitute a diplomatic setback for Nigeria, the Presidency and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said on Monday.
The minister also cautioned opposition parties and their candidates to be mindful of the country’s international reputation in their “unbridled” reactions to developments.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Nigeria was adequately represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was mandated by President Tinubu to lead the country’s delegation while the President remains on vacation in Europe until the weekend.
The Vice President, he added, would deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the UNGA on Thursday.
He will also participate in high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements on behalf of the country.
President Tinubu personally represented Nigeria at the 2023 UNGA, while Shettima represented the country in 2024 and 2025.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticised the President’s absence from the UNGA, saying it diminished Nigeria’s participation at the global event.
They also suggested that the President might have been avoiding a visit to the United States.
Onanuga described Atiku’s comments and those of a United States-based lobbying organisation as “baseless” and “irresponsible”.
He stressed that Shettima was representing the President at the global meeting.
The Presidency also responded to suggestions that Tinubu may have stayed away from the UNGA because of a possible legal or immigration restriction in the United States.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol Ademola Oshodi said there was “absolutely no impediment” to Tinubu travelling to the United States.
He dismissed suggestions of possible arrest or restrictions as political claims.
“There is absolutely no impediment. You know, for absolutely no reason, it is pure politics. This election season is a silly season of people saying things for electoral advantage. It is that simple,” Oshodi said. “It’s politics,” he added.
Oshodi said Tinubu had travelled to the United States since becoming President, including attending the 78th UNGA in 2023 and visiting Los Angeles in 2025.
He argued that a President’s physical attendance at the UNGA should not be the sole measure of a country’s diplomatic engagement.
According to him, what matters is whether Nigeria effectively advances its positions and whether its international engagements produce tangible outcomes for Nigerians.
At the weekend, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said more than 60 per cent of invited presidents and prime ministers would be represented by vice presidents or foreign affairs ministers during the UNGA.
He said the President’s absence was not a minus for the country.
Shettima takes Nigeria’s case to UNGA
Shettima, who arrived in New York on Sunday night, was accompanied by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior officials.
Shettima said Nigeria would use the gathering to advance Tinubu’s call for reforms of global institutions and a fairer international order.
“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,” he said.
He added that Nigeria would engage its international partners from the standpoint of national interest while advocating “a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.”
Nigeria will also renew its campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Ambassador Ibrahim had briefed Shettima on the country’s priorities ahead of the General Debate.
According to the Presidency, Nigeria’s case for permanent representation is based on its population, role in regional security, contribution to global peacekeeping and position as Africa’s largest economy.
The country will also push for reforms of the global financial architecture, greater access to climate finance and technology, sustainable development and stronger African representation in international decision-making.
Governors seek investments
Beyond the Federal Government’s diplomatic agenda, many state governors attending the UNGA are expected to use the gathering to court foreign investment.
Rivers Governor Fubara is seeking partnerships around the state’s oil and gas resources, while Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule and Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris are expected to promote investment opportunities, particularly in solid minerals.
Other Nigerian officials at the gathering include Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Borno Governor Babagana Zulum, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and senior ministers.
The General Debate of the 81st UNGA opens today and will run through September 28 under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
