The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to send Vice President Kashim Shettima to the 81st United Nations General Assembly is linked to the President’s ongoing annual leave.
Idris, in a statement issued on Monday, September 21, said Tinubu’s absence from the gathering of world leaders should not be interpreted as a setback for Nigeria’s diplomatic representation.
“President Tinubu is currently on annual leave, and his decision to ask the Vice President to lead Nigeria’s delegation is neither unusual nor a diminution of the country’s diplomatic standing,” the minister said.
Tinubu has mandated Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA in New York, where the Vice President is expected to deliver the country’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.
According to Idris, Shettima is attending the gathering with the full authority of the President and the Nigerian government.
“Vice President Shettima carries the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The minister said Shettima’s engagements would focus on issues central to Nigeria’s interests, including peace and security, economic development, climate action, sustainable development and reform of the global financial architecture.
“Nigeria will therefore be fully and effectively represented throughout the high-level session,” Idris said.
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His comments followed public discussion surrounding Tinubu’s absence from the annual UN gathering, particularly after Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, said in July that the President was expected to attend the 81st session in person.
Ibrahim had also disclosed that arrangements were being made for Tinubu to sit near United States President Donald Trump during the event.
Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, with London reportedly serving as his first destination before he proceeded to France.
The Presidency later indicated that the President would return to Nigeria after his leave, fueling questions over whether he would personally attend the UNGA.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, subsequently announced that Shettima would represent Tinubu and lead the Nigerian delegation.
The 81st UNGA General Debate will take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
During the session, Shettima is expected to present Nigeria’s position on major global issues and hold discussions with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
Idris also addressed criticism surrounding Tinubu’s absence, noting that the Federal Government had taken note of comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation retained by him.