President Bola Tinubu to Address 80th Session of the UN General Assembly on September 24
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to address world leaders at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in New York, according to a revised provisional list of speakers obtained from the UN headquarters.
The Nigerian President will deliver his remarks during the afternoon session of the high-level General Debate, around 8:30 p.m. local time (approximately 2:30 p.m. Nigerian time), making him the 17th world leader to speak on the second day of the event.
Gathering of Global Leaders at UNGA 80
The UN General Assembly remains the largest diplomatic gathering of world leaders, bringing together heads of state, heads of government, and senior officials to deliberate on key global challenges.
This year’s 80th Session will see participation from 195 leaders, including 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 scheduled to address the world body.
As tradition dictates, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil will be the first to deliver his speech, followed by United States President Donald Trump, representing the host country.
UN officials told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the speaking order could still be adjusted depending on the level of representation by member states.
Nigeria’s Strong Diplomatic Presence at the UN
This will mark the first time since his election that President Tinubu personally delivers Nigeria’s address at the General Debate, after Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented him in 2024.
Diplomatic sources noted that Shettima’s rare opportunity to speak on the first day last year—despite representing the President—was credited to Nigeria’s strong international goodwill and effective diplomatic lobbying at the UN.
Movses Abelian, the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, explained that the list of speakers reflects ongoing negotiations among member states, with changes being made to accommodate upgrades, downgrades, or unforeseen absences.
“The list will continue to be updated until the start of the General Debate as changes are communicated by Member States,” Abelian said.
Theme of the 80th UNGA Session: “Better Together”
This year’s session carries the theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.” It coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, marking a major milestone in the history of the global organisation.
The session officially opened on Tuesday, September 9, with the inauguration of Annalena Baerbock of Germany as the new President of the General Assembly. A former German Foreign Minister, Baerbock becomes only the fifth woman in history to preside over the UNGA. Taking her oath on the original 1945 UN Charter, she pledged to lead with courage, inclusiveness, and a focus on addressing global challenges such as war, poverty, and climate change.
High-Level Week: Key Meetings and Global Priorities
The High-Level Week of UNGA 80 will run from September 22 to September 30, featuring a series of critical meetings alongside the General Debate.
Some of the key events include:
- High-Level Meeting to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the UN
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Moment
- High-Level Meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women
- Conference on Palestine and the Two-State Solution
- Climate Summit
- High-Level Meeting to Launch the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
These events are expected to shape global conversations on peace, development, human rights, gender equality, climate change, and emerging technologies.
Tinubu’s Likely Talking Points
While the Presidency has yet to release a detailed preview of President Tinubu’s speech, Akahi News gathered that his address may focus on:
- Global peace and security, particularly in Africa
- Economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign investment to Nigeria
- Climate action and sustainable development
- Strengthening democracy and human rights across the continent
- Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security and counter-terrorism
Observers believe the President will also highlight Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral cooperation as the world grapples with conflicts, food insecurity, and economic instability.
Nigeria’s Role on the Global Stage
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, has long been a key player in UN diplomacy. Its leadership in peacekeeping missions, climate advocacy, and regional conflict resolution has earned the country respect among member states.
President Tinubu’s appearance at UNGA 80 is expected to reaffirm Nigeria’s position as a voice for Africa on global issues ranging from economic justice to environmental sustainability.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria
As the world marks eight decades of the United Nations, Nigeria’s participation at this milestone event carries added significance. Analysts believe President Tinubu’s speech will be closely watched as a test of Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities in a rapidly changing global order.
The General Debate will conclude on September 29, after six days of speeches, declarations, and global policy announcements aimed at addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.
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