President Bola Tinubu has decided to skip the upcoming 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, opting instead to focus on pressing national concerns, particularly the recent devastating floods impacting various parts of Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this year,” according to a statement from Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
He added, “Therefore, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.”
This decision comes after Tinubu’s recent diplomatic trips to China and the United Kingdom. Onanuga elaborated that the president is prioritizing key challenges at home, especially the recent floods causing significant destruction in several regions.
In Tinubu’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima will play a crucial role at UNGA 79. He will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, engage in vital sideline discussions, and participate in bilateral meetings with other global leaders.
The General Assembly’s high-level debate, centered around ‘Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations’, will run from September 24 to 28, 2024.
Shettima’s participation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to playing an active role in the international community, even as the administration navigates urgent domestic issues. Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including insecurity, weak state capacity, corruption, and population growth, which hinder its economic development and global influence.
The country’s economic transformation roadmap outlines medium-term policy priorities, including stabilization, consolidation, and acceleration phases.
Effective leadership and institutional reforms are essential to addressing these challenges and unlocking Nigeria’s potential.
