The Federal Government has explained President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, saying Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria with the President’s full authority.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement on Monday that Tinubu, who is currently on annual leave, had directed Shettima to lead the Nigerian delegation at the global gathering.
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level sessions and bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The Vice President has already arrived in New York ahead of the General Debate, scheduled to begin on September 22.
Idris maintained that Tinubu’s decision to delegate the assignment would not reduce Nigeria’s representation or diplomatic engagement at the UN gathering.
“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,” he said.
According to the minister, Shettima will use the engagements to advance Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, economic development, climate action, sustainable development, international cooperation and reforms of the global financial system.
He said the Vice President was attending the gathering with the authority to speak and engage on behalf of the President and the country.
The explanation followed public debate over Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend this year’s UNGA. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had questioned the President’s absence, noting that Shettima also represented him at the 2024 and 2025 sessions.
Idris said delegating the Vice President was neither unusual nor an indication that Nigeria’s diplomatic standing had been diminished.
The minister also addressed comments from Atiku and a United States-based lobbying organisation reportedly working for the former Vice President over Tinubu’s absence.
While acknowledging the place of political opposition and public debate in a democracy, Idris cautioned against presenting speculation as established fact.
He urged political actors to exercise restraint when making statements on matters that could affect Nigeria’s international relations and reputation.
Idris further highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, pointing to cooperation in areas including trade, investment, security, energy, democratic institutions and regional stability.
He said relations between both countries are conducted through established diplomatic and governmental channels and should not be confused with partisan political statements or the activities of private lobbying organisations representing political interests.
The minister consequently urged Nigerians and the media to differentiate between verified information, political opinion and claims that have not been substantiated.
