Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has confirmed that the country will retain its front-row seat at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), even though President Bola Tinubu did not attend. Ibrahim emphasized that Nigeria will continue to play a full diplomatic role, with Vice President Kashim Shettima leading the delegation in Tinubu’s absence.
Tinubu had mandated Shettima to represent the country at the UNGA, as announced by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications. Shettima has already departed for New York, where he will oversee Nigeria’s participation in the global gathering. This marks the third consecutive time Tinubu has missed the UNGA, prompting criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called for an explanation.
Despite the absence, Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement remains active, with Shettima tasked to ensure the country’s voice is heard on key international issues. The delegation’s presence underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to multilateralism, even in the face of leadership gaps.
