President Bola Tinubu may skip the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly summit scheduled for next week in New York, due to pressing domestic concerns. Sources within the presidency suggest that the president is considering postponing his attendance at the high-profile international event to focus on critical issues at home, particularly the ongoing economic and security crises affecting the nation.
The UN summit, which is an annual gathering of world leaders slated to hold between September 22-23, provides a platform for heads of state to address global issues such as climate change, international peace and security, and sustainable development.
EmpoweredNewswire sources say the President who recently returned from a 5-day working visit to China and immediately jetted to Maiduguri, Borno state to sympathise with flood victims may not be fully disposed to travelling anytime soon.
However, reports indicate that President Tinubu is weighing the option of delegating his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, or another high-ranking official to represent Nigeria at the event. The decision is reportedly driven by the need to address urgent domestic challenges, including the rising cost of living, widespread labor unrest, and heightened insecurity in various parts of the country.
Tinubu’s presidency, which began in May 2023, has been marked by a series of bold reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s ailing economy. Chief among these is the removal of fuel subsidies, a move that has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, widespread protests, and increased hardship for ordinary Nigerians. While the government has introduced palliative measures to cushion the impact, many citizens and labor unions remain dissatisfied, with strikes and demonstrations intensifying across the country.
While Tinubu’s attendance remains uncertain, insiders suggest that Vice President Kashim Shettima may represent the president at the summit if he chooses to stay back. Shettima, who has experience in diplomacy and international relations, is seen as a capable representative who could effectively convey Nigeria’s positions on key global issues.
Other high-ranking officials, such as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, are also being considered as part of the delegation. The president’s final decision is expected to be announced in the coming days.
