President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

The development comes amid reports that Tinubu, who is currently on leave, is expected to return to Nigeria after his break, raising questions over whether he would personally attend the 2026 UN General Assembly.

The Presidency, however, confirmed on Sunday that Shettima would represent the President at the high-level international gathering.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

According to Nkwocha, Shettima will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

The statement said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York, United States.”

The 81st UNGA General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Shettima to Present Nigeria’s PositionDuring the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s position and priorities on key global issues.

The issues are expected to include national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The Vice President will also participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, with discussions expected to cover the Right to Development, climate action and other issues considered strategically important to Nigeria and Africa.

Shettima is also expected to attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners.

The Presidency said the engagements would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to advance Tinubu’s economic diplomacy and strengthen strategic partnerships.

It added that Nigeria would use the meetings to promote its interests on the reform of the global financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.