23/09/2026
MUCH GOOF STATEMENTS ABOUT PRESIDENT TINUBU NOT ATTENDING UNGA 81
There is simply too much fuss about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not being physically present at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
President Tinubu has not abandoned Nigeria’s representation at the UNGA 81. He has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to New York.
Vice President Shettima is carrying Nigeria’s national statement and the President’s mandate. He is there to deliver Nigeria’s position before the international community and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.Nigeria is represented. Nigeria’s voice is being heard.
Now, let me remind you of Late Muhammadu Buhari era. Under President Buhari, Nigeria's economy went from being the third fastest growing economy in the world with a GDP of $510 billion in 2014, to one of the world's most sluggish economies in 2023 when Buhari handed over to President Tinubu with a GDP of $187.76 billion
General Muhammadu Buhari attended the United Nations General Assembly during his eight-year presidency. Yet, physical attendance at UNGA did not automatically translate into economic transformation for Nigeria.
So the question is not simply whether a President attended UNGA every year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping does not frequently attend the UN General Assembly in person. China has repeatedly delegated senior officials to represent him.
In 2024, Xi sent Foreign Minister Wang Yi as his special representative. In 2026, Vice President Han Zheng is representing Xi Jinping at the 81st UNGA.
China remains fully represented even when its President is not physically present.
So why should Nigeria's decision to have Vice President Shettima lead the delegation become such a major controversy?
President Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023. His decision in the later years to delegate the responsibility to Vice President Shettima does not mean Nigeria is absent.
Shettima is there. Nigeria is there. Nigeria’s national statement is being delivered. Nigeria’s interests are being represented.
Let the delegation deliver.
What Nigerians should ultimately focus on is not simply the President’s physical presence at every international gathering, but the tangible outcomes Nigeria gets from its participation.
Nigeria needs investments, partnerships, technology, development opportunities and stronger diplomatic cooperation.
Let us focus on what Nigeria gains from UNGA 81, rather than making the President’s physical presence the entire conversation.
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