Presidency Clarifies Tinubu’s Absence from 81st UN General Assembly

Photo Credit: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima 

The Presidency has stated that President Bola Tinubu did not skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York due to any legal or immigration restriction in the United States.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, said there was “absolutely no impediment” to the president travelling to the United States. He described suggestions of travel restrictions as political claims.

Oshodi made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme amid public discussion of Tinubu’s decision to again delegate Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. This marks the third consecutive year Shettima has represented the president at the high-level week.

Oshodi noted that Tinubu has travelled to the United States since taking office, including attending the 78th UN General Assembly in New York in 2023 and a visit to Los Angeles in August 2025.

He argued that the president’s decision not to attend in person should not be seen as a diplomatic setback. Diplomatic engagement, he said, also relies on institutions, continuity, representation, and the concrete outcomes of international meetings.

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Vice President Shettima arrived in New York on Monday to represent Tinubu. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and take part in bilateral and multilateral engagements during the high-level week.

Oshodi said Shettima carries the president’s full mandate and will be supported by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Jimoh Ibrahim, and other senior officials.

Nigeria’s priorities at this year’s General Assembly, according to the presidential aide, include addressing insecurity in the Sahel, explaining the government’s economic reforms, pushing for reform of the global financial architecture, advancing climate action, and seeking stronger African representation in international institutions.

These issues, Oshodi said, have direct implications for security cooperation, investment, climate financing, employment, government revenue, and the protection of Nigerian citizens.

He added that Nigeria’s foreign policy work continues year-round through platforms such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, BRICS, and bilateral relationships, not only at the annual UN General Assembly.

The 81st UN General Assembly high-level general debate is scheduled for 22–28 September under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”