Nigeria's Vice President to Lead Delegation at UNGA

The Federal Government of Nigeria stated that the country will be fully represented at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on annual leave and has appointed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria's delegation.

Idris emphasized that this decision is standard practice and does not diminish Nigeria's diplomatic standing. Shettima will deliver Nigeria's national statement and engage in high-level meetings with world leaders and international organizations.

The minister condemned remarks from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a U.S.-based lobbying group that questioned Tinubu's absence, urging political figures to avoid presenting speculation as fact. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to its international relationships, particularly with the United States, and called for responsible discourse regarding the nation's diplomatic matters.