Why Tinubu Did Not Attend UNGA Despite Earlier Plan – Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), despite earlier indications in July that the President would participate in the session.

Ibrahim, on Channels Television’s Programme Politics Today, said Tinubu was initially scheduled to attend the General Assembly, stating that diplomatic considerations around the composition of the speakers’ list led to a change in plans.

Speaking on the development, Ibrahim said about 60 per cent of those listed to speak at the session were foreign affairs ministers rather than heads of state.

He explained that, in diplomatic practice, the decision for a president to attend a General Assembly session also takes into account the level of representation and the nature of the speaking engagement.

According to him, “The president, in diplomatic circles, on that day was to attend the General Assembly. There was no doubt about that. And he was interested in attending.”

He, however, said further diplomatic assessment changed the situation.

“When we see that 60 countries are going to be represented, then you have to know what happened to your sovereignty, whether you are coming to trade it in,” Ibrahim said.

He added that presidents are allocated about 15 minutes to address the General Assembly and argued that it would not be appropriate for Nigeria’s President to travel to New York only to address a session dominated by foreign affairs ministers.

Ibrahim also addressed his earlier statement that Nigeria would occupy a prominent position at the UNGA and that Tinubu would be seated near United States President Donald Trump.

He clarified that his reference was to Nigeria’s position in the General Assembly seating arrangement, rather than a guarantee that Tinubu would sit directly beside Trump.

According to him, Nigeria occupied the sixth position in the front row, while the United States was positioned much farther away.

“I deliver the fact that Nigeria will sit in the front row, number six seats,” Ibrahim said, adding that the United States was “in number 27” while Nigeria was in number six.

He also pointed out that Trump himself did not remain seated in the General Assembly chamber after delivering his address, saying the U.S. president came to the podium, delivered his speech and left.

The ambassador maintained that Nigeria retained significant diplomatic standing at the United Nations, citing the country’s leadership roles on the Budget and Administrative Committee and peacekeeping matters.

He further disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended the UNGA, held bilateral meetings with some presidents, describing such engagements as evidence of the respect Nigeria commands internationally.

Ibrahim said Tinubu could still be invited by the United Nations to address the General Assembly at an appropriate time.

“At an appropriate time, President Tinubu will be invited to come and speak to the General Assembly. That is a UN invitation. That is not a Nigeria invitation,” he said.