President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled to take place in New York, according to a source close to the Presidency.

The source disclosed the development on Friday but did not give a reason for the President’s decision.

Tinubu had earlier been expected to attend the high-level General Debate and deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the UN headquarters.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, had also previously confirmed the President’s planned attendance.

A provisional programme for the General Debate had listed Tinubu as the 10th speaker during the morning session on Wednesday, September 23.

The 81st UN General Assembly opened on September 8, while the high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28.

Ibrahim had said Tinubu’s participation would give Nigeria an opportunity to present the reforms of his administration and seek international support for efforts to improve border security in West Africa.

The ambassador had also disclosed that Tinubu could meet United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN gathering.

With Tinubu now expected to stay away, Vice-President Kashim Shettima may represent Nigeria at the assembly.

Shettima represented Tinubu at the 79th and 80th UN General Assemblies in 2024 and 2025, delivering Nigeria’s national statements at both events.

Tinubu personally attended the 78th General Assembly in 2023.

The reported change in plan comes after Tinubu’s recent foreign engagements during his annual leave, which included visits to Europe and a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The 2026 UN General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”