Why Tinubu Refused to Attend UNGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shelved the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.

Nigeria’s statement will be read at the General Assembly by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a statement said: “President Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

“The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

“The high-level General Debate, with the theme: ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations’, will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024”, the statement said.

Nigerian envoys and businesses are marketing  the country’s abundant opportunities at the  General Assembly  for  investors.

A statement by the information desk of the Nigeria Consulate in the United States by Mr Tiamiyu Arobani, said global investors and donors were being rallied to boost sustainable investments, grants and interventions in the country at a High-Level Roundtable on Sustainable Investments, Grants and Interventions held at Nigeria House in New York.

According to the statement, officials and businesses took turns to highlight the abundant investment opportunities.

The statement reads in part: “The Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, in his welcome address, said Nigeria’s strategic location, abundant resources, dynamic population and commitment to reforms positioned it as a prime destination for investors.

“Nigeria is not just an opportunity; it’s a gateway to the future of trade and investment in Africa,” he said adding, ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu are aimed to create a favourable environment for investments.

“He encouraged participants to leverage the roundtable discussions to forge partnerships that could lead to transformative projects across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and renewable energy.”