Tinubu to attend UN General Assembly in September, says envoy

President Bola Tinubu will attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, marking his return to the annual global gathering after a two-year absence, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said on Wednesday.

Ibrahim disclosed this after a meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja, saying Tinubu had confirmed his participation and would use the global platform to highlight his administration’s economic reforms.

“The President has generously agreed to attend the UNGA meeting of the United Nations,” Ibrahim told State House correspondents.

“It is significant because Mr President has a speech to give to the whole world about the reform success in Nigeria. Nigeria will be effectively present at UNGA.”

According to the envoy, Tinubu’s address has been scheduled for about 10:45 a.m. New York time, allowing Nigerians to watch the speech live.

Beyond his address to the General Assembly, Ibrahim said the President would participate in several high-level side events focusing on energy, education and healthcare, although efforts were being made to avoid an overcrowded schedule.

He also revealed that discussions with Tinubu covered regional security, particularly efforts to strengthen border management across West Africa.

According to Ibrahim, the President is seeking greater collaboration with the United Nations on a regional border policing initiative aimed at tackling insecurity linked to the region’s porous frontiers.

“The President reaffirmed his commitment to border policing. We will be working with the United Nations to look into the West African border, which is porous, and ensure our security is well guaranteed,” he said.