NEW YORK — Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the UN General Assembly, stepping in for President Bola Tinubu as the administration defends its diplomatic strategy. Operating from Paris after a stop in London, Tinubu instructed senior diplomats to maintain momentum on key African priorities, including global financial reform, climate financing, and expanded permanent representation for Africa on the UN Security Council.

Despite opposition claims that the President’s physical absence weakens Nigeria’s geopolitical influence, government spokespersons maintain that the country’s foreign policy interests remain fully safeguarded. Presidential aides emphasized that diplomatic representation at the UN is a collective effort carried out by senior cabinet members and career envoys. They dismissed domestic criticism over Tinubu’s travel choices as election-year political maneuvering, confirming the President is slated to return to Abuja at the weekend.