President Bola Tinubu has made the significant decision to forgo attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, choosing instead to focus his attention on pressing domestic issues, particularly the severe flooding that has recently devastated parts of Nigeria. This decision underscores his commitment to addressing urgent national challenges at home rather than participating in global discussions abroad.
In a statement released on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, officially confirmed Tinubu’s decision to prioritize domestic matters over international engagements. As a result, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been entrusted with leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UNGA in the President’s absence.
This move highlights President Tinubu’s determination to address critical issues affecting the nation, such as the recent flooding, which has caused widespread destruction and displaced many citizens. By choosing to stay in Nigeria, Tinubu is signaling his focus on ensuring that the government is responsive to the immediate needs of its people during this challenging time.
The UNGA, scheduled to take place from September 24 to 28, 2024, is set to cover a broad range of global topics, including sustainable development, peace, and the promotion of human dignity. Despite Tinubu’s absence, Nigeria’s presence will still be strongly felt at the assembly through the efforts of Vice President Shettima.
Vice President Shettima is expected to fulfill several key responsibilities during his time at the UNGA. He will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, participate in critical side events, and engage in bilateral meetings with other world leaders and representatives to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
The official statement read: “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year. 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 at the UNGA, centered around the theme “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 Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024. Despite the President’s absence, Nigeria’s involvement in these critical discussions will continue under the leadership of Vice President Shettima.