President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, according to a report published by SaharaReporters.
The report, which cited a source within the presidency, said Tinubu would not personally participate in this year’s high-level gathering of world leaders.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally opened on September 8, 2026, while the high-level General Debate is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
The reported development comes after earlier indications that Tinubu was expected to attend the annual global gathering and deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had previously indicated that the President was expected to attend the September session.
The latest report, however, suggests that the President has changed his plans and will not travel to New York for the event.
SaharaReporters reported that the reason for the reported change in Tinubu’s plans was not immediately disclosed.
The development also raises questions about who will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level segment of the General Assembly and represent the country during the General Debate.
In previous years, Nigeria has been represented at the UNGA by the President or Vice President, depending on the administration’s arrangements and the President’s schedule.
The United Nations General Assembly provides an annual platform for world leaders and senior government officials to address issues affecting their countries and the international community.
The 81st session is expected to focus on a range of global issues, including international peace and security, sustainable development, economic challenges, climate change and multilateral cooperation.
As of the time of the report, the Presidency had not publicly issued a detailed explanation for the reported decision by Tinubu not to attend the session.
Further details on Nigeria’s delegation and the official representative expected to deliver the country’s statement are expected to be made public as the high-level General Debate approaches.
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