The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, saying Vice-President Kashim Shettima has been given the full mandate to represent Nigeria at the high-level gathering.
The clarification came on Monday amid public discussion over Tinubu’s absence from the annual meeting of world leaders. The government said the President is currently on annual leave and that his decision to delegate Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation does not reduce the country’s diplomatic standing.
According to the government, Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the General Assembly and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Vice-President would represent the country throughout the high-level session and would carry the full mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“His engagements in New York will advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the statement said.
The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The Federal Government said Shettima’s participation would allow Nigeria to advance its interests on issues including international security, economic development, climate action, sustainable development and reforms to the global financial system.
It also stressed that having the Vice-President represent the President at the gathering should not be interpreted as a reduction in Nigeria’s diplomatic importance.
“Political opposition and robust public debate are legitimate features of democracy. However, speculation should not be presented to Nigerians or the international community as established fact. The Government urges political actors to exercise responsibility when discussing matters affecting Nigeria’s international relationships and national reputation.”
The statement came after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar questioned Tinubu’s continued absence from the country and asked the government to clarify who was exercising presidential authority. The Federal Government, however, described some of the commentary surrounding the President’s UNGA absence as speculation.
The government also addressed Nigeria’s relationship with the United States, saying the country’s ties with Washington cover areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people relations.
It said those relations are handled through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should be distinguished from partisan political commentary or lobbying activities.
The government urged Nigerians and the media to differentiate between verified information, political opinions and claims that have not been established.
“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York. Nigeria’s interests will be vigorously advanced. And the work of strengthening the country’s relationships with its international partners will continue,” the statement concluded.
The Presidency has separately announced that Tinubu extended his working vacation by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. It said he has continued to direct affairs of government while abroad and has delegated Shettima to represent him at some official engagements.
