Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York after President Bola Tinubu withdrew from the annual gathering of world leaders.
The presidency confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the VP’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.
The development confirmed NEWSNGR’s earlier report that Tinubu was planning to hand over his UNGA duties to Shettima over a planned protest during the annual meetings.
NEWSNGR had gathered that a planned protest by some Nigerians in the United States had influenced the change in itinerary.
The presidency did not give a reason for Tinubu’s decision to stay from this year’s UNGA.
Shettima will lead a delegation that includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the general debate and participate in high-level meetings on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues.
He is also expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries and international organisations on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his engagements in New York.
