Tinubu Confirms September UN General Assembly Attendance

President Bola Tinubu will attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, marking his return to the annual global gathering after a two-year absence.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday after separate meetings with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Ibrahim said the President had confirmed his participation and would deliver Nigeria’s national address during the General Assembly. According to him, Tinubu will use the opportunity to present the progress of his administration’s reforms to the international community. He added that the President’s speech has been scheduled for a time that will allow Nigerians to follow it live from home.

The envoy also revealed that Tinubu’s itinerary includes several side events focusing on power and energy, education and healthcare management. He explained that the programme was carefully arranged to ensure the President attends important engagements without an overcrowded schedule.

On reports of a possible meeting between Tinubu and United States President Donald Trump, Ibrahim said he could only confirm that both leaders would be seated close to each other in the front row of the General Assembly Hall. A source familiar with the arrangements also indicated that their seating position could create an opportunity for an informal meeting during the event.

Ibrahim further disclosed that President Tinubu discussed plans to strengthen border security in West Africa through cooperation with the United Nations. He said the President wants Nigeria to work with the global body on a regional border policing framework aimed at improving security across the sub-region.

He added that he would also present the proposed 2027 United Nations budget in his capacity as Chairman of the UN Budget Committee, a role that places Nigeria at the centre of the organisation’s financial planning process.

Tinubu’s participation in this year’s General Assembly will be his first appearance at the event since assuming office. In 2024 and 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria after the President stayed back to focus on domestic matters and other national priorities.

During the previous General Assembly sessions, Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of the President and attended several international meetings. The administration also used those occasions to discuss economic reforms and issues affecting global governance.

The announcement of Tinubu’s attendance comes months after the United States redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over attacks on Christians by violent extremist groups. Following the decision, the President expressed readiness to cooperate with the United States in improving security and addressing the country’s security challenges.