UNGA: Why Tinubu sent Shettima to represent Nigeria

The Federal Government has explained that Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly because the President is on annual leave.

Information Minister Mohammed Idris said Shettima carries the full mandate of Tinubu and Nigeria, dismissing concerns that the President’s absence would diminish the country’s diplomatic standing.

According to PUNCH, Idris said delegating responsibility to the Vice President was neither unusual nor detrimental to Nigeria’s representation.

Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements.

Idris said the Vice President’s engagements would advance Nigeria’s priorities on security, economic development, climate action, sustainable development and reform of the global financial architecture while strengthening international cooperation with partners.