78th UNGA: Tinubu Calls For Global Cooperation To Address Unique African Challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered his first address at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the importance of tackling Africa’s unique challenges and fostering global cooperation. The speech, which was delivered in the early hours of Wednesday (7:55pm New York time), touched upon several critical issues affecting the African continent. Tinubu began by congratulating the newly elected President of the General Assembly, acknowledging the efforts of his predecessor and applauding the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, for his work in seeking solutions to humanity’s common challenges. In his address, Tinubu stressed the need for Africa to overcome the limitations imposed by foreign exploitation and realize its vast potential. He called for a firm commitment to partnership, urging global institutions, other nations, and the private sector to prioritize African development. He emphasized that this commitment should not only benefit Africa but also align with the interests of those involved. Highlighting the economic challenges faced by Nigeria and Africa, he underlined the importance of job creation, industrial expansion, and equitable wealth distribution. President Tinubu cited reforms initiated during his presidency, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and overhauling the exchange rate system, as steps toward fostering economic growth and investor confidence. He invited partnerships with nations and entities willing to engage with Africa on mutually beneficial terms. Democratic governance was another crucial aspect of President Tinubu’s address. He affirmed democratic governance as the best way to uphold the sovereign will and well-being of the people, opposing military coups and any civilian political arrangements perpetuating injustice. Regarding the situation in Niger, President Tinubu mentioned ongoing negotiations with military leaders to reestablish democratic governance and address political and economic challenges in the nation. President Tinubu also talked about the battle against violent extremism in the region, emphasizing the need to disband extremist groups and improve economic conditions to prevent people from seeking better opportunities elsewhere. Concerning resource-rich areas, he called for measures to protect them from pilfering and conflict. He drew attention to the exploitation of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other regions, urging the international community to discourage firms and nationals from such activities. Finally, Tinubu discussed the impact of climate change on Africa, emphasizing the need for continental efforts to combat it. He highlighted initiatives in Nigeria, such as the Green Wall project and mass distribution of gas-burning stoves, as examples of actions that align with economic development and environmental sustainability. He called for more investment from established economies to support Africa’s preferred climate change initiatives. To conclude, Tinubu reiterated the importance of ending poverty, respecting the will of the people, and protecting the planet. He called for global solidarity and cooperation, emphasizing that Africa seeks genuine friendship and partnership on its transformative journey. See the full speech below: STATEMENT DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 78TH SESSION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 18TH SEPTEMBER 2023 Mr. President, Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President, On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi for his able stewardship of the Assembly. We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges. This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme. On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of this Session of the United Nations General Assembly. We commend your predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Csaba Korosi for his able stewardship of the Assembly. We also commend His Excellency, Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, for his work seeking to forge solutions to humanity’s common challenges. This is my first address before the General Assembly. Permit me to say a few words on behalf of Nigeria, on behalf of Africa, regarding this year’s theme. Many proclamations have been made, yet our troubles remain close at hand. Failures in good governance have hindered Africa. But broken promises, unfair treatment and outright exploitation from abroad have also exacted a heavy toll on our ability to progress. Given this long history, if this year’s theme is to mean anything at all, it must mean something special and particular to Africa. In the aftermath of the Second World War, nations gathered in an attempt to rebuild their war- torn societies. A new global system was born and this great body, the United Nations, was established as a symbol and protector of the aspirations and finest ideals of humankind. Nations saw that it was in their own interests to help others exit the rubble and wasteland of war. Reliable and significant assistance allowed countries emaciated by war to grow into strong and productive societies. The period was a highwater mark for trust in global institutions and the belief that humanity had learned the necessary lessons to move forward in global solidarity and harmony. Today and for several decades, Africa has been asking for the same level of political commitment and devotion of resource that described the Marshall Plan. We realize that underlying conditions and causes of the economic challenges facing today’s Africa are significantly different from those of post war Europe. We are not asking for identical programs and actions. What we seek is an equally firm commitment to partnership. We seek enhanced international cooperation with African nations to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. There are five important points I want to highlight. First, if this year’s theme is to have any impact at all, global institutions, other nations and their private sector actors must see African development as a priority, not just for Africa but

78th UNGA: FG seeks UN’s Support To Tackle Humanitarian Crises

The Federal Government has urged the United Nations to support its efforts to achieve durable solutions to humanitarian crises. Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made the call during a high-level meeting with Mr Martin Griffiths, the coordinator under UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief. This is contained in a statement by Edu’s aide of media, Mr Rasheed Zubair, in Abuja. The meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York. She also briefed the meeting on President Bola Tinubu’s action plan to eradicate poverty. The minister sought the support of UN for the presidential Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund. Other issues discussed during the high-level meeting centred on systematic and long-term response to Nigeria’s poverty under the SDGs target. Edu also joined First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, at a side event to re-awaken Nigerians in Diaspora on the need to support the federal government’s renewed hope agenda. She urged Nigerians in Diaspora to get involved, help to rebuild Nigeria’s economy and Nigerians out of poverty.