Drama In presidency: Tinubu Cancels UNGA 81 Trip Despite Earlier Confirmation
By Passman Akpos
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will reportedly not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, despite earlier indications that the Nigerian leader was scheduled to participate in the high-level gathering of world leaders.”
A source close to the Presidency told SaharaReporters on Friday that Tinubu would not travel to New York for the annual General Assembly, which begins its high-level General Debate next week.
“Tinubu will not be attending the UN General Assembly,” the source reportedly said, without providing a reason for the decision.
The development marks a change from earlier expectations surrounding Nigeria’s participation at the 81st UNGA.
A provisional programme had indicated that Tinubu was expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate on Wednesday, September 23. Reports had also indicated that he was scheduled to speak during the morning session.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously publicly indicated that Tinubu would attend the 81st UNGA. In remarks reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, Ibrahim said the President had given assurances that he would participate in the September gathering.
Ibrahim had also said Tinubu’s participation would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present the reforms of his administration to the international community.
Among the issues expected to feature in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement was border policing in West Africa, with Ibrahim describing porous borders across the region as a significant security challenge.
The ambassador had also disclosed that a possible meeting between Tinubu and then-U.S. President Donald Trump could take place on the sidelines of the UNGA.
However, if the latest report of Tinubu’s non-attendance is confirmed, Nigeria’s representation at the General Assembly will have to be determined by the Presidency.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is a possible representative, having represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th sessions of the UN General Assembly in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Tinubu personally attended the 78th UNGA in 2023.
Tinubu’s Recent Foreign Engagements
The reported decision comes amid a period of international engagements by the President.
Tinubu recently travelled to Europe as part of what the Presidency described as a working vacation. He subsequently travelled to France, where French President Emmanuel Macron hosted him for a private dinner at the Élysée Palace.
The State House confirmed the meeting on September 18, describing it as reflecting the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France and both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Tinubu also recently received an invitation from Singapore to visit the country as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation with Nigeria.
UNGA 81
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28 at the UN headquarters in New York.
The session is being held under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
The annual gathering brings together heads of state and government, ministers and senior officials from across the world to deliberate on major international issues, including peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and international cooperation.
For now, the reason for Tinubu’s reported decision not to attend remains undisclosed.
The Presidency has yet to publicly announce a formal explanation or confirm who will represent Nigeria at the high-level General Debate.
