President Bola Tinubu has decided to skip the upcoming 79th session of the United Nations General Assemblyin New York, opting to address pressing national concerns.
In his place, Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria at the global summit.
A statement from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, broke the news on Thursday.
In the statement titled ‘Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly’, Tinubu has chosen to prioritize domestic issues, particularly in light of the recent flooding that has severely impacted various parts of the country.
“President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year,” the statement confirmed. “Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
Tinubu’s decision follows his recent return from diplomatic trips to China and the United Kingdom.
Onanuga further elaborated that the president is focused on addressing key challenges at home, with the recent floods causing significant destruction in several regions being a top priority.
Vice President Shettima is expected to step into a pivotal role at UNGA 79. He will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, engage in crucial sideline discussions, and participate in bilateral meetings with other global leaders.
The General Assembly’s high-level debate, centered around the theme ‘Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations’, will run from Tuesday, September 24, to Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Shettima’s participation in the event underscores Nigeria’s commitment to playing an active role in the international community, even as the administration navigates urgent issues at home.
