UNGA 81: Tinubu to address world leaders September 23

President Bola Tinubu will address world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2026, as Nigeria prepares to present its position on major global and regional issues.

Tinubu is expected to speak during the morning session on the second day of the high-level general debate, which will run from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters.

The Nigerian President is listed as the 10th speaker for the session and is expected to deliver his address between 11:30am and noon New York time, corresponding to about 4:30pm in Nigeria.

The gathering will bring together representatives from all 193 UN member states, including more than 150 presidents and heads of government. Other participants are expected to include vice presidents, deputy prime ministers, ministers and senior government officials.

The general debate will open on September 22, with Brazil traditionally taking the first speaking slot. US President Donald Trump, as the leader of the host country, is expected to follow.

The theme for this year’s General Assembly is focused on rebuilding trust, managing global changes and creating a United Nations that serves all countries.

Tinubu’s visit is expected to include several diplomatic engagements apart from his main address. He is scheduled to participate in meetings and side events covering issues such as climate change, rising sea levels and preparedness for future pandemics.

The President is also expected to meet outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term in office will end on December 31, 2026.
Another expected engagement is with Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, the outgoing UN Deputy Secretary-General, who has occupied the position since 2017.

However, officials at the UN noted that the speaking schedule could still change depending on the final attendance arrangements of participating leaders.

Nigeria has traditionally secured an early speaking position at the General Assembly because of its diplomatic standing and engagement with the international body.

Tinubu personally attended the 78th UN General Assembly in 2023. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025.

Shettima was also able to retain Nigeria’s early speaking position during those sessions following diplomatic efforts by the country’s permanent mission to the UN.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had earlier confirmed that Tinubu would attend this year’s gathering.

The Nigerian delegation is expected to use the event to explain some of the reforms being carried out by the Tinubu administration and seek international cooperation on issues affecting the country.

Border security in West Africa is also expected to feature in Nigeria’s diplomatic discussions. Ibrahim said the government wants stronger international cooperation to address the problem of porous borders across the region.

Nigeria is already working with the United Nations on a regional border-policing initiative and is expected to seek additional support for the programme during the General Assembly.

There is also a possibility of a meeting between Tinubu and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN gathering, although details of such a meeting have not been confirmed.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to open on September 8, while the high-level general debate will take place from September 22 to 28.

The annual UN meeting provides an opportunity for world leaders to discuss international concerns, including climate change, sustainable development, global security and other issues affecting nations around the world.