President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a report citing a source close to the Presidency.
SaharaReporters reported on Friday that the President would not attend the annual high-level meeting, quoting an unnamed source as saying, “Tinubu will not be attending the UN General Assembly.”
The report comes after earlier indications that Tinubu was expected to participate in the high-level General Debate and deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
No formal announcement cited
The latest report is based on information attributed to a source close to the Presidency rather than a formal statement announcing a change in the President’s itinerary.
As a result, the reported decision should be distinguished from an official presidential announcement.
The United Nations General Assembly’s 81st session is scheduled to bring world leaders and senior government representatives to New York for discussions on international peace and security, development and other global issues.
Possible change to Nigeria’s representation
If Tinubu ultimately does not travel, Nigeria would be represented at the high-level segment by another senior government official.
The President’s attendance at the UNGA would ordinarily provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present its priorities on international cooperation, security, development, investment and diplomacy.
The reason for the reported change has not been publicly established in the source cited.
The development remains subject to confirmation through an official statement from the Presidency or Nigeria’s mission to the United Nations.