President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to address world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, United States, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as part of Nigeria’s participation in the high-level general debate.
The general debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 26, with an additional sitting on September 28, according to the United Nations. The 81st session of the General Assembly formally opened on September 8, 2026.
According to information provided by Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, Tinubu is expected to participate in the second day of the general debate. The ambassador said the President is expected to use the platform to outline the reforms being implemented by his administration and seek greater international cooperation on security, particularly efforts to address security challenges affecting West Africa.
The reported programme indicates that Tinubu is scheduled as the 10th speaker of the morning session, with his address expected between 11:30 a.m. and noon New York time, equivalent to 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time. The United Nations programme should be treated as the authoritative source for the final speaking order and timing.
The 81st General Assembly is being held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The United Nations says the session is intended to strengthen global cooperation and promote collective action on major international challenges.
The General Assembly brings together all 193 UN member states, with the annual high-level debate providing an opportunity for heads of state and government to present their countries’ priorities and positions on global issues.
Tinubu is also expected to participate in other high-level engagements during the UNGA week, including discussions on climate action, sea-level rise, and pandemic prevention and preparedness. The UN’s provisional schedule confirms high-level meetings on climate action and the just transition on September 23, sea-level rise on September 24, and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response on September 25.
Ambassador Ibrahim also indicated that Tinubu could hold bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the gathering, including a possible meeting with United States President Donald Trump. Such a meeting, however, remains subject to confirmation.
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