President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.
In his place, Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria at the global summit, a decision confirmed in a statement by the spokesman of the president, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.
However, his advance team has already left for New York and is now expected to be recalled back to Nigeria.
The statement, titled “Vice President Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly,” noted that Tinubu’s decision is anchored in his burning desire to address national issues, particularly those arising from the recent floods.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year. Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
This means that Mr Tinubu, who recently returned from trips to China and the United Kingdom, aims to concentrate on tackling various challenges facing the country.
The statement added that Vice President Shettima, while at UNGA 79, will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, participate in key sideline events, and engage in bilateral meetings.
The high-level General Debate, themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” will take place from September 24 to 28, 2024.
