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By Stella Odueme
Nigeria has called for urgent reform of the United Nations (UN), stronger multilateral cooperation and renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and international law as world leaders gather for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The call was contained in Nigeria’s national statement delivered at the General Debate of the 81st UNGA, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The General Debate is being held under the theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
According to a statement by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, at the weekend, Nigeria urged the international community to restore confidence in multilateral institutions while reaffirming its commitment to the UN Charter, its principles and purposes.
The country stressed the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility in advancing global peace and security.
A major focus of Nigeria’s address was the reform of the UN Security Council, with the country reiterating Africa’s position under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration for at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the Council.
Nigeria said such reform was necessary to reflect current global realities and ensure meaningful African representation in decisions concerning international peace and security.
The country also recalled its contributions to international peacekeeping operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security and democratic governance through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
On the economy, Nigeria linked its foreign policy to ongoing domestic economic reforms, including macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, private-sector development and strategic public investment.
It said these measures were aligned with the country's sustainable development commitments and its broader contribution to global peace, equity and prosperity.
Nigeria also called for greater technology transfer, capacity building and climate financing to enable developing countries pursue economic growth while meeting their climate commitments.
The country reaffirmed its commitment to the Energy Transition Plan and the Paris Agreement, including its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
On artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Nigeria highlighted investments in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation ecosystems, research institutions and technology entrepreneurship.
It called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.
On development financing and Africa’s economic transformation, Nigeria advocated reform of the international financial architecture, wider access to concessional financing and sustainable debt frameworks.
It also supported innovative financing through private capital, blended finance, South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Nigeria described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as critical to expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains, promoting industrialisation and advancing Africa towards greater value addition and knowledge-driven growth.
On peace and security, the country called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.
It urged countries to strengthen intelligence sharing, build institutional capacity, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons that fuel conflicts.
Drawing on its experience in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, Nigeria stressed that lasting security must be supported by education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and protection of the rights and dignity of communities.
The country further called for urgent diplomatic efforts to address conflicts in Sudan and other war-affected countries.
It urged parties to conflicts to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
Nigeria advocated greater emphasis on dialogue, reconciliation, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, stressing that military victories alone could not guarantee lasting peace.
The country also highlighted Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, expanding markets, resilience and ingenuity as key advantages that could position the continent as an important driver of future global growth.
Nigeria called for developing countries to be recognised as essential partners in shaping global solutions and advancing shared prosperity.
In its concluding message, Nigeria pledged to continue choosing cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, hope over fear and partnership over isolation.
It called on UN member states to honour their obligations to one another and address current global realities with justice, wisdom and compassion as part of efforts to restore trust in the multilateral system.
Nigeria further described a reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations as essential to achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world for future generations.
The country also emphasised the shared humanity of all people, describing humanity as the world’s oldest citizenship and peace as an inheritance owed to every child.