Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is scheduled to address the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, September 24, 2025.
According to the official UN list of speakers, President Tinubu will take the podium during the afternoon session, around 8:30 p.m. New York time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time). He will be the 17th speaker of the day, joining world leaders who are expected to deliberate on the theme of this year’s assembly: “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”
This marks a shift from last year when Nigeria was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. By personally taking up the mantle this year, President Tinubu is signaling Nigeria’s intention to play a more prominent role in global diplomacy.
Lens News gathered that Tinubu’s speech is expected to touch on key issues affecting Nigeria and Africa—such as insecurity, climate change, debt relief, poverty reduction, and the push for stronger international partnerships.
Diplomatic observers say the President will likely use the UN stage to woo investors and also emphasize Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional peace and stability.
“The General Assembly is not just about speeches; it’s about setting the tone for cooperation in the year ahead,” a foreign affairs expert told Lens News. “Tinubu has a real chance to position Nigeria as a key voice on global issues if he delivers a strong message.”
The high-level general debate begins on September 23 and will bring together dozens of heads of state and government. This year carries extra weight as it marks 80 years since the founding of the United Nations—a milestone expected to reignite global conversations on peace, multilateralism, and shared prosperity.
For Nigeria, all eyes will be on what Tinubu says and whether his words will translate into real benefits at home.
