Tinubu's Absence at UNGA Explained by Presidency

The Presidency has cleared the air on President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the third year in a row. They say it is not due to any travel restrictions to the United States.

Ademola Osodi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, stated that Mr Tinubu’s absence from the 81st UN General Assembly will not harm Nigeria’s diplomatic position or its role in Africa.

Osodi spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program. This was right after the Presidency announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima would head Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA in New York.

He pointed out that the President also needs to focus on issues at home, especially around the economy and security. He added that Nigeria participates in several regional and international platforms besides the United Nations.

“President Tinubu is focusing on issues of domestic concerns like economy, security and even on other issues on other international forums which I believe equally is important,” Osodi said.

“With or without his presence, there (it) will not change Nigeria’s role as giant of Africa, the leader of the economic resurgence of Africa.”

Osodi dismissed claims that Mr Tinubu could not travel to the US due to problems with American authorities. “There’s absolutely no impediment,” he said, calling that claim an “old chestnut” linked to politics.

He mentioned his previous trips to the US with Mr Tinubu as proof that the president can travel there. He recalled being with Mr Tinubu when the president attended the UN General Assembly in 2023. He also mentioned another trip where the Nigerian delegation stopped in Los Angeles before going to Yokohama, Japan, for meetings related to the Japanese development agency.

“We were in America, I was there with them. So it is politics. We can talk about this every single election cycle, it is just politics,” Osodi added.

Mr Tinubu was present at the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023 but skipped the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025. Mr Shettima represented him at both sessions and will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st.

The 81st UNGA general debate is set for September 22 to 28. Mr Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and take part in high-level and bilateral meetings.

The Presidency said the delegation will focus on Nigeria’s economic diplomacy. They also aim to strengthen partnerships on development, climate finance, and reforming the global financial system.

This decision faced criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He wants an explanation for Mr Tinubu’s third consecutive absence. Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), believes that while the vice president can represent Nigeria, the president's personal presence at such a major diplomatic event is irreplaceable.

He noted that the UNGA allows heads of government to have bilateral meetings, seek investment and trade partnerships, and discuss development financing. Atiku also raised questions about whether Mr Tinubu’s past legal issues in the US play a part in his repeated absence. However, he recognized that the presidency has not stated any legal restrictions preventing the president from entering the country.

The presidency has firmly rejected that idea through Osodi’s comments, insisting there are no barriers to Mr Tinubu traveling to the US.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, has also defended the country’s representation at the General Assembly. He said the president’s absence should not be seen as weak representation. He noted that Mr Shettima and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu would be involved in the diplomatic activities.

He explained that it is common for countries to send senior officials when their presidents cannot attend. Ibrahim also mentioned that Nigeria would keep its designated position at the UNGA, including its front-row seat, while Mr Shettima represents the president.