Lifestyle & Wellness DeskNigeria’s National Statement by President Tinubu at UN Assembly
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday delivered Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Speaking during the general debate themed “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” Shettima outlined Nigeria’s position on global issues and renewed the country’s call for reforms within the United Nations system.
Among other key points, President Tinubu demanded that Nigeria be included as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, stressing that the institution must reflect today’s global realities rather than the structure of 1945. He argued that Nigeria’s population size, regional influence, and contributions to global peacekeeping operations make its case for inclusion compelling.
Tinubu also emphasized the need for countries rich in strategic minerals to benefit fairly from them through investment, local processing, and job creation, pointing to Africa’s potential to power the technologies of the future if managed equitably.
The national statement further highlighted four central priorities for Nigeria at the Assembly:
- Securing a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council as part of wider institutional reforms.
- Urgent action on sovereign debt relief, fair access to trade, and financing for developing nations.
- Ensuring that countries hosting strategic minerals derive equitable benefits from them.
- Closing the global digital divide by ensuring developing regions, particularly Africa, are included in the technological revolution.
On peace and security, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation, noting the country’s long-standing role in peacekeeping operations and its resolve against insurgency and violent extremism. He called for values of tolerance and shared humanity to triumph over hate and division.
Tinubu also addressed pressing global concerns such as climate change, irregular migration, and the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He reiterated Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution as the most dignified path to peace for the people of Palestine.
He urged the UN to act decisively in addressing conflicts and inequalities, warning that the slow pace of reforms risks eroding confidence in multilateralism.
The Vice President concluded Nigeria’s statement by reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, unity, development, multilateral cooperation, and the defense of human rights, stressing that “none of us is safe until all of us are safe.”
