The Federal Government has confirmed that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national address and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
The minister said the Vice President carries the full mandate of the President and will advance Nigeria’s priorities on peace and security, economic development, climate action, global financial reform, sustainable development and international cooperation.
According to Idris, President Tinubu is currently on annual leave and his decision to delegate the assignment to Shettima is neither unusual nor a reflection of any decline in Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
The clarification follows comments by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying organisation questioning President Tinubu’s absence from the gathering.
While acknowledging that political opposition and public debate are legitimate in a democracy, the minister urged political actors to distinguish between verified information, legitimate opinion and unsubstantiated speculation.
Idris also reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with the United States, describing it as one built on trade, investment, security cooperation, energy, democratic institutions, regional stability and people-to-people ties.
“Nigeria will be fully represented in New York,” the minister said, adding that the country’s interests would be vigorously advanced and its international partnerships strengthened.
