In a bold address at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the need for significant reforms in the UN Security Council.
He highlighted the importance of granting Nigeria and other African countries permanent seats on the council.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu made these remarks while addressing world leaders at the UN headquarters in New York.
He stated, “Some permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have offered encouraging indications of support on the issue of reform.”
Tinubu urged a quicker momentum toward these reforms, asserting that the Security Council must reflect the diversity of the world.
He called for Africa to be treated with the respect it deserves within the UN framework.
“Africa must be accorded a place in the permanent members category of the Security Council,” he insisted.
The Nigerian president also advocated for changes in the international financial system, aiming to support developing countries.
He expressed hope that the “Pact for the Future” could provide concrete solutions to the challenges faced by these nations.
“The adoption of this pact will help reposition economies and create real solutions for developing countries,” he said.
Tinubu emphasized the burden of global debt, which he believes hinders nations from meeting the needs of their citizens.
He called on the UN to prioritize debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing nations.
“Countries of the global South cannot progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden,” he explained.
The president further advocated for the recovery of funds lost to corruption and illicit financial flows.
“The return of such funds is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption,” he stated.
He reminded global leaders of the importance of recommitting to multilateralism, emphasizing cooperation among UN member states.
“Multilateralism is essential for addressing the existential challenges we all face,” he stressed.
Tinubu highlighted the growing trend of nationalism, which he said undermines collective efforts to solve global issues.
“Nationalism is undermining the quest for peaceful resolution of challenges like terrorism and climate change,” he warned.
He noted that the core objectives of the UN are at risk due to this shift away from cooperation.
“The pillars of our organization are threatened by the relentless pursuit of individual national priorities,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated that these challenges, including terrorism, poverty, and food crises, test the effectiveness of the UN.
“Billions are being spent on wars instead of addressing pressing issues like hunger and inequality,” he remarked.
The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, recalling its founding principles since joining the UN 65 years ago.
“We aim to remain friendly with all nations and actively participate in UN efforts,” he declared.
Tinubu also addressed the issue of military coups in Africa, warning that these events threaten democracy and economic development.
“Unconstitutional changes of government demonstrate how fragile democracy can become without support,” he said.
He pointed out that insecurity is leading to hardship for citizens, damaging their trust in democratic processes.
“We cannot build stable societies while terrorism and insurgency are on the rise,” he emphasized.
He noted Nigeria’s efforts to combat these threats, referencing the upcoming High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting.
“The Abuja Declaration will provide solutions to the challenges posed by terrorists and insurgents,” he promised.
Tinubu also raised concerns about climate change, calling it a significant driver of insecurity.
He mentioned the devastating floods that recently affected Nigeria, especially in cities like Maiduguri.
“The international community must adhere to commitments made at COP meetings,” he urged.
He warned that failing to act on climate change would have dire consequences for all nations.
“The task of preventing conflicts has become more difficult,” he lamented.
Tinubu identified root causes of conflicts as poverty, hunger, ignorance, and injustice.
He cited ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Gaza as evidence of the international community’s failures.
“What this tells us is that the spirit of the UN to rid the world of violence and inequality is still unfulfilled,” he said.
He concluded by stating that justice is essential for global peace.
