President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Nations to prioritize debt relief for Nigeria and other developing nations. Speaking at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, Tinubu urged global leaders to help struggling economies by easing their debt burdens, allowing them to focus on development projects for their citizens.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu emphasized that reforming the international financial system must include comprehensive debt relief. He highlighted the challenges faced by countries in the Global South, saying meaningful progress is impossible without special concessions.
He also encouraged world leaders to strengthen multilateralism by fostering cooperation and equality, which he described as key to addressing global issues like climate change, poverty, and terrorism. Tinubu warned against rising nationalism, saying it hinders collective efforts to resolve these pressing problems.
Tinubu expressed concerns over the UN’s current structure, calling for reforms to ensure it remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. He pointed out that the pillars of peace, development, and human rights are at risk due to the focus on individual national interests.
He also addressed issues closer to home, lamenting the resurgence of military coups in Africa and underscoring the need for economic growth to support democracy. Tinubu stressed that the international community must prioritize economic development to prevent instability and uphold democratic governance.
Tinubu called for a reformed international financial system that promotes fairness and transparency in trade, urging the adoption of measures to address the challenges faced by developing nations. He highlighted the importance of recovering stolen assets and fighting illicit financial flows to strengthen economies.
On the issue of security, Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing threats of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria and the wider region. He assured that efforts are underway to counter these threats, citing the “Abuja Declaration” from the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in April 2024 as a step towards lasting solutions.
Addressing climate change, Tinubu reminded world leaders of its impact, particularly the devastating floods in Nigeria, and urged them to stick to commitments made at COP meetings. He warned that ignoring climate change will only worsen its effects, which no country can escape.
In closing, Tinubu reiterated his call for bold reforms to the UN Security Council, advocating for permanent seats for Nigeria and other African nations. He stressed that Africa deserves a stronger voice in global decision-making, aligning with Secretary-General Guterres’ efforts for reform.
