President Tinubu Sets to Depart for UNGA in New York, Leads Nigerian Delegation

President Bola Tinubu is set to depart from Abuja on Sunday to attend the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking his inaugural appearance as the Nigerian leader.

The theme of this year’s UNGA is “Rebuilding trust and Reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”

On September 19, President Tinubu will deliver his inaugural National Statement during the High-Level General Debate, addressing critical issues like sustainable development, climate change, global cooperation, and the urgent need to tackle inequalities and humanitarian crises worldwide.

President Tinubu’s itinerary also includes participation in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (UN 2023 Summit on SDGs), the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response, the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit, and the High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, among others.

Additionally, the President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with various world leaders, including the Presidents of the European Union Commission, Brazil, and South Africa. He will also engage with global leaders of transnational corporations like Microsoft, Meta Technologies, Exxon Mobil, and General Electric to promote aggressive investment in Nigeria.

In a historic move, President Tinubu will conduct the NASDAQ closing ceremony during its trading session at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) Headquarters in New York City, becoming the first African President to do so.

Furthermore, the President will address the Nigerian SMEs Business Summit to emphasize the vital role of Nigerian enterprises in global trade.

Accompanying President Tinubu on this mission are six governors, including Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara State, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. Also, prominent officials such as Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy & Finance Mr. Wale Edun will accompany the President.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Mohammed Pate, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Betta Edu, and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite will also be part of the delegation.

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other senior government officials will join the President in New York.