Nigeria’s presentation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly was more than just a diplomatic exercise; it was a bold call to rethink the structures that define global governance. Delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the address touched on issues that transcend Nigeria’s borders – climate change, debt relief, and the deep inequities in global power structures, particularly at the United Nations.
The core of Nigeria’s message is both urgent and logical: today’s crises, whether economic, environmental, or security-related, demand solutions that are as interconnected as the problems themselves. The UN, as it currently stands, is not equipped to handle these challenges.
In our view, Nigeria’s proposal for a more inclusive Security Council, one that reflects the realities of the 21st century, is long overdue.
In a world where Africa, home to 1.4 billion people and some of the fastest-growing economies, has no permanent voice on the UN Security Council, the call for reform is not only justified, it is essential.
As Tinubu pointed out, the Council is a relic of a post-World War II order that no longer reflects the world we live in today. His argument that Africa deserves a permanent seat is more than just a plea for representation; it is a demand for the inclusion of perspectives that could reshape global responses to pressing issues like terrorism, migration, and climate change.
One of the most compelling aspects of Nigeria’s message is its call for debt relief for developing nations. Tinubu’s argument here is strikingly clear: when countries are crushed by debt, their ability to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is severely compromised. The result is not just national instability but regional and even global insecurity.
The West’s reluctance to seriously address this issue, despite growing crises in nations across the Global South, only exacerbates the problem. Debt relief, in this context, is not charity; it’s a strategic imperative for global stability.
Equally important is Nigeria’s focus on climate change, a crisis that hits the Global South hardest. Tinubu’s reference to the floods that have devastated parts of Nigeria, including major cities like Maiduguri, underscores a point often lost in Western discourse: for many nations, climate change is not a distant threat but an immediate danger. His call for the global community to honor its COP commitments is a reminder that, for some countries, survival depends on it. Climate inaction, particularly by wealthier nations, is not just negligent, it’s dangerous.
On terrorism, Nigeria is once again positioning itself as a leader, with plans for the upcoming High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting. This is a recognition that terrorism, like climate change, is a global problem requiring global solutions. And yet, Nigeria’s emphasis on addressing the root causes of conflic like poverty, hunger, inequality, goes beyond the usual security-centric responses.
This is where Nigeria’s voice is particularly compelling: it understands, perhaps better than most, that the roots of extremism are often found in systemic inequality and exclusion.
Moreover, Nigeria’s call aligns with a broader movement towards greater representation for the Global South. From the expansion of BRICS to the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20, the world is slowly recognising that the voices of emerging economies can no longer be sidelined. Nigeria’s proposals at the UN are part of this shift, one that Western powers would be wise to engage with, rather than resist.
To be sure, Nigeria faces its own internal challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and governance issues. But rather than undermine the country’s credibility, these challenges lend weight to its call for global cooperation. Nigeria knows the complexity of development in the 21st century firsthand, and its voice carries the authority of experience.
The global order, as it stands, is at a crossroads. We can cling to outdated structures and policies, or we can adapt, embracing the idea that a more inclusive, equitable system benefits everyone. Nigeria’s presentation at UNGA offers a path forward, one that requires courage and a willingness to listen. It’s a vision worth considering—because the alternative, a world fractured by division and paralyzed in the face of shared threats, is simply untenable.
The question now is whether the international community, particularly Western powers, will listen. Will they reform the UN to include African voices in the Security Council? Will they take seriously the need for debt relief, not as an act of charity but as an investment in global stability? And will they finally commit to meaningful action on climate change, recognizing that the survival of nations, and perhaps the planet, depends on it?
Monday, September 30, 2024
Nigeria’s Call For UN Reform At UNGA
Zookeeper mauled to death by lion in Nigeria
A zookeeper has been mauled to death by a lion in south-western Nigeria after he failed to secure the locks on its enclosure when he went to feed it, police say.
The victim, a 35-year-old man, worked at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park, owned by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun state.
Local police spokesperson Omolola Odutola said in a statement that "the lion inflicted serious fatal injuries to the man’s neck".
He said the lion was then shot to "release its grip on the handler".
According to a statement from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the zookeeper had taken some guests to see the lion's feeding routine after hours on Saturday evening.
“The zookeeper, apparently, feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety protection gate open and proceeded to feed the animal. He was mauled by the animal and died on the spot.
“To prevent further mutilation of the body, the animal was put down immediately by personnel of the park.”
The victim has been named as Babaji Daule, described by police as a trained lion handler.
It comes less than a year after another zookeeper was attacked and killed by a lion at the Obafemi Awolowo University, also in south-western Nigeria.
The incident has triggered concerns with people raising questions about the country’s regulations and management of zoos and handling of wild animals.
By Chris Ewokor, BBC
Related story: Lion kills zookeeper in Nigeria
World Bank approves $1.57 billion loan for Nigeria
The World Bank has approved a $1.57 billion financing package for Nigeria under a new programme to support its health and education sectors and help provide sustainable power, the bank said on Monday.
The World Bank is the largest lender to Nigeria, with more than $15 billion in loans at the end of March, data from the Debt Management Office showed.
The bank said in a statement that the money would help increase availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare service delivery.
"The new financing includes $500 million for addressing governance issues that constrain the delivery of education and health, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project," the bank said.
Nigeria is among countries with the highest number of out of school children mainly due to insecurity, especially in the north of the country where a long-running Islamist insurgency and armed kidnapping gangs have caused havoc.
The World Bank said part of the money would be used to improve dam safety to protect people from floods.
Nigeria faces frequent flooding and this year up to a million people were affected after a dam in northeastern Borno state burst.
More floods are expected in Nigeria after authorities in Cameroon started releasing water from a large dam to prevent it from overflowing.
By MacDonald Dzirutwe, Reuters
Friday, September 27, 2024
Video - External reserves surge to 22-month high in Nigeria
The reserves have grown by 13 percent to just over 37 billion U.S. dollars. The increase was driven by crude oil revenues, non-oil exports, and a rise in external borrowings, and could help Nigeria stabilize its currency, improve international trade, and possibly attract more foreign investments.
Nigeria’s hula cap gains traction as foreign exchange earner
The hula cap is a popular traditional headgear in northern Nigeria. Its intricate designs are gaining traction beyond Nigeria's borders. Local producers are now exporting caps to countries like Chad, Cameroon, and even the United States.