President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria and lead the country’s delegation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, stating that Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
Idris said Nigeria would be fully represented at the global gathering, adding that the Vice President would act with the mandate of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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 minister stated.
According to Idris, Shettima’s engagements would focus on issues including peace and security, economic development, climate action, reforms to the global financial system, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The high-level general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly is scheduled to commence on September 22.
The announcement followed public discussions over Tinubu’s absence from the annual gathering of world leaders.
Tinubu had departed Abuja on August 30 for a three-week annual leave in Europe, with London as his first destination before travelling to France.
Idris stated that the President’s decision to delegate the Vice President was consistent with established practice and did not affect Nigeria’s diplomatic representation at the international forum.
The minister also responded to comments from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation reportedly engaged by him regarding Tinubu’s absence from the UN meeting.
Idris stated that political debate remained part of democratic practice but cautioned against presenting speculation as confirmed information.
He urged political actors to consider the possible impact of their statements on Nigeria’s international relations and national image.
The minister also highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s relationship with the United States, covering areas such as trade and investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people relations.
He maintained that diplomatic relations between both countries were handled through official government channels and should be distinguished from partisan political activities or private lobbying engagements.
Idris urged Nigerians and media organisations to differentiate between verified information, political opinions and claims that had not been established.
