The Federal Government has explained President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Tinubu is currently on annual leave and therefore mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the international gathering.
Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UNGA, which is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 28, 2026. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate and participate in other high-level diplomatic engagements.
The delegation includes Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.
Tinubu departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week annual leave in Europe, with London as his first destination before proceeding to France.
The explanation comes amid discussions over the President’s absence from the UN General Assembly for the third consecutive year. The Presidency has maintained that Nigeria remains adequately represented through the Vice President and its delegation.
