President Bola Tinubu is expected to represent Nigeria at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he will join world leaders to deliberate on global peace, development and human rights.
According to the revised provisional list of speakers, Tinubu is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on September 24 during the afternoon session of the high-level general debate. He is listed as the 17th speaker on Day 2, though the order may change if he is not physically present.
This year’s Assembly, which opened on September 9, marks the UN’s 80th anniversary under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years And More For Peace, Development And Human Rights.” The debate officially begins on September 23 and will feature contributions from 195 delegations, including 98 heads of state, 44 heads of government, and other senior representatives.
Nigeria’s address is expected to focus on building stronger international partnerships for economic recovery, boosting security cooperation against terrorism and organised crime, and rallying global support for Africa’s development goals. Observers also anticipate emphasis on multilateral solutions to challenges such as conflict, migration and sustainable energy.
Several high-level meetings will run alongside the debate. On September 22, France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair a special conference on Palestine and the two-state solution. On September 25, leaders will discuss a global vision for tackling noncommunicable diseases and advancing mental health, while September 26 will feature a major event marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
Tinubu, currently on a 10-day vacation in France and the UK that began on September 4, met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on September 10. Both leaders held private talks on bilateral cooperation, a meeting seen as part of Tinubu’s preparation for his UNGA engagement.
Nigeria’s participation at the milestone session is expected to reaffirm its role in advancing Africa’s interests and contributing to a more inclusive multilateral order.
