President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that he will attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this September, marking his return to the global gathering after missing the previous two editions.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to Ibrahim, Tinubu will address world leaders during the General Assembly, where he is expected to speak on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms and the progress recorded under his administration.
"The President has agreed to attend the UN General Assembly. He will deliver Nigeria's address to the international community, focusing on the country's reform agenda and achievements," Ibrahim said.
He explained that the President’s speech has been scheduled for around 10:45 a.m. New York time, which is approximately 3:45 p.m. in Nigeria, allowing Nigerians to follow the address live.
Ibrahim also revealed that Tinubu is expected to sit in the front row of the General Assembly hall, just a few seats away from United States President Donald Trump.
While he stopped short of confirming an official bilateral meeting between both leaders, he acknowledged that their seating arrangement could create an opportunity for an interaction.
"I cannot say there will be a meeting, but I can confirm that President Tinubu will be seated very close to President Trump in the front row," he said.
A source familiar with the UN seating plan also indicated that the proximity makes a brief meeting between both leaders highly possible during the summit.
Beyond his address, Tinubu is expected to participate in several high-level side events focusing on energy, education and healthcare.
Ibrahim said the President had carefully selected the engagements to avoid an overcrowded schedule while ensuring Nigeria's interests are well represented.
He also disclosed that Tinubu discussed the issue of border security in West Africa, expressing support for stronger collaboration with the United Nations to address insecurity across the region.
According to Ibrahim, Nigeria intends to work with the UN on developing improved border policing strategies, using West Africa as a case study to tackle cross-border crime and strengthen regional security.
In his own role at the United Nations, Ibrahim said he would present the organisation’s proposed 2027 budget in his capacity as Chairman of the UN Budget Committee.
Tinubu’s participation at this year's General Assembly comes after Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at both the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025 respectively, while the President remained focused on domestic matters.
The UNGA appearance will also be Tinubu’s first opportunity to attend the global summit during Donald Trump’s current administration, raising expectations of possible diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the United States on issues including security, economic cooperation and regional stability.
