Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has offered an explanation for President Bola Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Ibrahim said the President’s physical presence was not considered necessary because a significant proportion of countries participating in the General Debate are represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers.
He spoke on TVC’s Beyond Headlines as Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation to the annual UN gathering.
Over 60% represented by deputies or ministers
Ibrahim said about 60 percent of those scheduled to speak at the current session are vice presidents and foreign ministers rather than presidents or prime ministers.
Against that background, he said he would not recommend that Tinubu travel to New York simply to deliver a brief speech.
The ambassador explained that the President’s attendance would be more understandable if most countries were sending their heads of government.
“If the speaking list is 90 percent President, of course, maybe the President can come,” Ibrahim 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 handles Nigeria’s representation
Tinubu directed Vice President Shettima to lead the Nigerian delegation to UNGA 81.
Shettima is representing the President during the General Debate and is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements on behalf of Nigeria.
Ibrahim said the arrangement allows Nigeria to maintain its diplomatic presence at the highest level.
He also pointed to Shettima’s meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora at Nigeria House in New York as an example of the engagements taking place during the Assembly.
Nigeria’s front-row position
The ambassador also highlighted Nigeria’s seating arrangement at the General Assembly.
He said Nigeria occupies a prominent position in the chamber and argued that this demonstrates the country’s continued diplomatic relevance.
Ibrahim said the country’s influence at the UN should not depend entirely on whether the President personally attends the gathering.
He cited Trump’s participation as another example, saying the US President came to deliver his address rather than remaining in his seat throughout the proceedings.
Tinubu’s third UNGA absence
The President’s decision not to attend UNGA 81 follows two previous occasions when Vice President Shettima represented him.
Shettima also led Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th UNGA in 2024 and the 80th in 2025.
Ibrahim maintained that Nigeria remains adequately represented despite Tinubu’s absence.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
