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 in New York, United States.

The decision ends speculation over whether Tinubu would personally attend the annual gathering of world leaders.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima will lead a high-level Nigerian delegation to the UNGA.

The delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, ministers and other senior government officials.

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.”

At the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, presenting the country’s positions and priorities on issues relating to national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

The Vice President is also expected to participate in high-level meetings during the UNGA week, including discussions on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

He will further join other world leaders at the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The Presidency said the engagements would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to advance its economic diplomacy, strengthen strategic partnerships and contribute to discussions on 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.