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President Bola Tinubu has decided to forgo attending the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the global summit.
Key Points:
- Focus on Domestic Issues: Tinubu’s decision comes as he aims to address pressing domestic challenges, particularly in the wake of recent severe flooding across Nigeria. The President returned from trips to China and the UK just before the summit.
- VP Shettima’s Role: Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement, participate in key events, and engage in bilateral discussions during the summit, which runs from September 24-28.
- Streamlined Delegation: The President has also instructed that Nigeria’s delegation be limited to essential personnel only. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, explained that this move aligns with the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and reducing the cost of governance.
- Statement from Bayo Onanuga: The President’s decision reflects a focus on internal matters and resource optimization rather than international engagements at this time.
This approach signals Tinubu’s prioritization of addressing Nigeria’s immediate concerns over participating in global forums.