By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for a strengthened alliance between the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) to effectively address security challenges, poverty, and counter-terrorism concerns in Africa.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for active collaboration with the UN to protect African nations from individuals who engage in illegal activities like siphoning and smuggling out the continent’s valuable mineral resources.
The President made these remarks during a meeting held with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Addressing Prevailing Concerns
President Tinubu expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation in which powerful nations utilize human rights advocacy to hinder developing economies from dealing decisively with destructive individuals who oppress the African continent.
“We are facing the great challenge of scavengers ravaging our lands and oppressing our people in illegal mines – taking our gold and mineral wealth back to developed economies through stealth and violence against Nigerians. We will no longer tolerate this. We require your effective collaboration,” stated the President.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT In a Bilateral Meeting With the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres @antonioguterres At the United Nations Headquarters in New York City#NigeriaAtUNGA78 #PBAT pic.twitter.com/lQL9tKI8ag
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 21, 2023
Transforming the UN’s Role
President Tinubu urged the United Nations to evolve from being primarily a forum for discussing global issues to becoming the leading action coordination centre worldwide.
The President highlighted the concern that 70% of resources allocated to the world’s poorest countries are being spent on overheads and administrative costs, which undermines the organization’s objective of providing effective assistance where it is most needed.
“The United Nations must transform into the world’s foremost action coordination centre. A situation where 70% of resources dedicated to the world’s poorest countries are diverted to overheads and administrative costs defeats the purpose of the organization. Poverty, security, and counter-terrorism demand close collaboration and effective synergy. We cannot afford to ignore Nigeria’s role in addressing these challenges. The time for real action is now. As President, I am committed to demonstrating that democracy can deliver the development our nation and continent urgently require,” proclaimed President Tinubu.
“Trace those of us here to our foundations and you will find that we have ties and links with poverty. We must not be ashamed of that history, but poverty is unacceptable. I am one of the fortunate survivors of gripping poverty. Nigeria is undoubtedly a giant with a population of over 240 million, including a substantial youth population. We have talked enough; now is the time for action. We have risen out of poverty as individuals, but until our people are lifted out of poverty, we will not rest, even if it requires making unpopular decisions,” affirmed the President.
UN’s Commitment to Reform
In response, the UN Secretary-General assured President Tinubu of the UN system’s full support in implementing reforms that address institutional weaknesses and ensure greater decision-making power for developing countries, which contribute over 75% of the UN’s resources.
“We recognize the need to reform the institution to better represent the world as it exists today. This includes addressing the issues of debt and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). Currently, middle-income countries have limited access to concessional financing. Following the SDGs Summit, we have a growing political consensus and a declaration in this regard. We are pursuing this with utmost determination,” stated the UN Secretary-General.
The UN Secretary-General also conveyed the UN system’s commitment to providing extensive support to ECOWAS in light of recent military coups in the West African sub-region.
“Mr. President, we have high expectations for your presidency after the bold steps you have taken. Nigeria’s role in the sub-region is indispensable. We pledge our full support to ensure your success, which is crucial for Africa’s success. Wishing you all the best,” concluded the UN leader.
