President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this year.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation in Tinubu’s place at the upcoming UNGA session, scheduled for September 24 to 28, 2024.
The President’s decision to prioritize local issues over international diplomacy is seen as a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of Nigerians affected by the floods. Tinubu recently returned to Nigeria after visits to China and the United Kingdom.
“President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year,“ the statement read.
“The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations’, will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.”
