Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to address the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the high-level General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
According to a revised provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from UN headquarters, Tinubu will speak on the second day of the debate. He is scheduled for the afternoon session, with his address expected around 8:30 p.m. local time (approximately 2:30 p.m. Nigerian time).
The Nigerian leader will be the 17th speaker of the day, joining 195 other world leaders expected at the gathering. This includes 98 heads of state, five vice presidents, 44 heads of government, four deputy prime ministers, 37 ministers, one crown prince, and four chairs of delegation.
As tradition dictates, the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will open the debate, followed by U.S. President Donald Trump, representing the host country.
UN sources, however, indicated that Tinubu’s speaking slot could change if he is unable to attend in person. “Please note that this list will continue to be updated until the start of the General Debate as changes are communicated by Member States,” Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, confirmed.
Tinubu’s planned address comes after Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the 79th session in 2024, delivering his speech on the opening day — an unusual privilege for a vice-president. Diplomats credited the rare feat to Nigeria’s diplomatic goodwill and the skilled maneuvering of its envoys at the UN.
The high-level General Debate remains the most prominent platform for world leaders to outline their priorities and perspectives on global peace, security, and development. Tinubu is expected to highlight Nigeria’s position on key international issues, regional stability, and sustainable development.
