Tinubu to Address World Leaders at UN on September 23

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Tinubu is listed as the 10th speaker for the morning session on the second day of the high-level General Debate, which will run from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters.

According to the provisional programme, the Nigerian President is expected to speak between 11:30 am and noon New York time, which is between 4:30 pm and 5 pm in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader will be among representatives from all 193 UN member states attending the annual high-level gathering. More than 150 heads of state and government are expected to participate, alongside vice presidents, deputy prime ministers, ministers and other senior officials.

The General Debate will begin on September 22, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva scheduled to deliver the opening address, followed by United States President Donald Trump as the leader of the host country.

The theme of the 81st General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The session will be presided over by Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh.

Tinubu’s visit is expected to involve more than his address to the General Debate, with the President scheduled to participate in several high-level meetings, summits and side events during his time in New York.

Issues expected to feature prominently include climate action, rising sea levels, pandemic preparedness and international security.

The President is also expected to hold a meeting with outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term in office ends on December 31, 2026.

Another expected engagement is a meeting with Nigeria’s Amina Mohammed, who currently serves as UN Deputy Secretary-General. Mohammed has occupied the position since 2017 and is the most senior African official in the UN system.

The final speaking schedule could still change because the order of speakers is adjusted when attendance plans change, according to sources familiar with preparations for the General Assembly.

Nigeria has traditionally secured an early speaking position during the General Debate because of its diplomatic standing and longstanding role in the UN.

Tinubu personally attended the 78th General Assembly in 2023. Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 79th and 80th sessions in 2024 and 2025.

Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement at both sessions and retained an early speaking slot, a position attributed to the diplomatic efforts of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has confirmed that Tinubu will attend this year’s General Assembly.

The ambassador said the President’s presence would give Nigeria an opportunity to present the reforms being implemented by his administration to the international community.

Ibrahim also said Nigeria intends to use the UN platform to seek international cooperation on border security and policing in West Africa.

According to the envoy, the movement of people and goods through poorly controlled borders remains a major security concern in the region. Nigeria is working with the United Nations on a regional border-policing initiative and plans to use the General Assembly to seek wider support for the programme.

There is also a possibility of a meeting between Tinubu and Trump during the President’s visit to New York, although the details of such an engagement have not been finalised.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally opens on September 8, while the high-level General Debate begins on September 22 and ends on September 28.

The annual gathering provides a platform for world leaders to discuss major international challenges, including climate change, sustainable development, global security and international peace.

Tinubu’s participation will therefore provide Nigeria with an opportunity to present its position on global issues while also engaging international leaders and institutions on matters affecting the country and the wider West African region.