Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim said it would not be necessary for Tinubu to travel to New York merely to deliver a short address when many countries are being represented by vice presidents and foreign ministers.
The ambassador made the remarks during an interview with TVC’s Beyond Headlines programme.
‘Why should the President come for 15 minutes?’
According to Ibrahim, more than 60 percent of those on the UNGA speaking list this year are vice presidents or foreign ministers representing their countries.
He therefore questioned the value of bringing the Nigerian President to New York for a speech lasting about 15 minutes.
Ibrahim said the decision on presidential attendance should take into account the nature of the speaking list and the broader diplomatic programme.
“If the speaking list is 90 percent President, of course, maybe the President can come,” he said.
“But if the list is 60 percent ministers, I don’t think that the President can come and be where his equivalent is a minister of Foreign Affairs of another country.”
Shettima represents Nigeria
President Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level and bilateral engagements during the General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28, 2026.
Ibrahim said the arrangement does not mean Nigeria is absent from the Assembly.
He pointed to Shettima’s engagements with Nigerians in the diaspora and other diplomatic activities at Nigeria House in New York.
Ibrahim highlights Nigeria’s UN position
The Nigerian envoy also drew attention to the country’s seating position inside the General Assembly.
According to him, Nigeria is occupying a prominent position in the chamber and remains actively involved in the proceedings.
He said Nigeria’s diplomatic impact should not be measured solely by whether the President personally delivers the national statement.
Ibrahim also referenced US President Donald Trump, saying the American leader did not remain seated throughout the session but came to deliver his address before leaving.
‘Nigeria is fully represented’
Ibrahim said the Vice President and other members of Nigeria’s delegation were capable of representing the country’s interests at the UN.
He argued that the focus should be on the substance of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements rather than solely on the President’s physical presence.
The decision for Shettima to lead the delegation marks Tinubu’s third consecutive absence from the UN General Assembly, following Shettima’s representation of Nigeria at the 79th and 80th sessions.
