Nigeria Shows Up: VP Shettima Holds It Down at UNGA81 While Critics Talk
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has fired back at those making noise about President Bola Tinubu skipping the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. His message? Nigeria is not the only one, and the country's presence is still making waves.
Speaking on TVC, Governor Sule made it clear that Tinubu's absence does not dim Nigeria's diplomatic shine. Several nations sent vice presidents or foreign ministers to represent them. The point is not who shows up, but that the country shows up at all.
Why is Vice President Shettima representing Nigeria at UNGA81?
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria's delegation at the General Assembly. He is scheduled to deliver the country's national statement on Thursday. This marks the third straight UNGA where Shettima has stepped in for Tinubu, after doing the same in 2024 and 2025.
Governor Sule said it plainly:
“I don't think I'm competent to speak about the absence of our own president, but I just want to make it categorically clear that Nigeria is not the only one. There are so many other countries that are being represented by the vice president and, in fact, some by even foreign ministers. It is the presence of the country that is there that is more important rather than the presence of the head of government.”
What is Nigeria achieving at the UN despite Tinubu's absence?
Plenty, according to Governor Sule. Shettima has been busy. The VP has received over 30 requests for bilateral meetings from heads of government, prime ministers, and foreign ministers. That is serious diplomatic muscle.
Governor Sule said these engagements prove Nigeria remains a key player at the global gathering, even without the President physically present. He added that Tinubu would have a “very good reason” for not attending, and those tasked with explaining that decision are better placed to do so.
Can Nigeria still push for a permanent UN Security Council seat?
Absolutely, and it does not depend on the President being in New York. Governor Sule argued that Nigeria can push its case for UN Security Council reform and a permanent African seat through the African Union, ECOWAS, bilateral meetings, and other international platforms.
He said:
“It is not just necessarily at the UN General Assembly address that it is going to be done, sealed and actually passed. There is still going to be a lot of side events, a lot of side meetings, sometimes not even here in New York, in so many other countries where such things will be taking place.”
Meanwhile, Shettima joined world leaders at the UN Headquarters on Tuesday as the high-level General Debate kicked off. He is expected to lay out Nigeria's positions on international cooperation, development, peace, and security on Thursday.
What is Nasarawa State getting out of UNGA81?
Governor Sule is not just there for the politics. He is on the grind for Nasarawa State, especially in the critical minerals sector. The state's lithium processing plant, recently commissioned by President Tinubu, has been a hot topic in discussions on Africa's critical minerals.
The Governor expects these engagements to strengthen Nasarawa's relationship with investors and partners in the solid minerals sector. That is how you do it: secure the bag while representing the nation.
Frequently asked questions about Nigeria's UNGA81 delegation
Is President Tinubu the only world leader absent from UNGA81?
No. Governor Abdullahi Sule confirmed that several countries are represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers, not their heads of state.
Who is leading Nigeria's delegation at UNGA81?
Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading the delegation and will deliver Nigeria's national statement on Thursday.
Will Nigeria still push for a UN Security Council seat?
Yes. Governor Sule said Nigeria will pursue the reform agenda through the African Union, ECOWAS, bilateral meetings, and side events, not just the General Assembly address.
