Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the country’s diplomatic standing at the world body, saying Nigeria has returned to a position of influence and remains an important player in international affairs.
Ibrahim made the remarks as Nigeria participated in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the country was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Nigerian envoy has also defended the country’s representation at the gathering, saying Nigeria retained a prominent position despite Tinubu’s absence.
“Nigeria is back at the United Nations and Nigeria is a leader whether you like it or not. Any of our citizens that come to the USA today, they are accorded the highest respect that is supposed to be given,” Ibrahim said.
His comments come against the backdrop of debate over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the 81st UN General Assembly in person. The issue had earlier drawn criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the circumstances surrounding the President’s absence after his initially announced 21-day vacation. TheDailyNewsHub previously reported the development in its story on Tinubu’s absence after 21 days..
The Presidency subsequently maintained that Tinubu continued directing government affairs while abroad, while Shettima was mandated to represent him at the UN General Assembly. Nigeria’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that Ibrahim and Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu briefed Shettima on the country’s priorities and engagements for the high-level UNGA week.
Ibrahim has argued that Nigeria’s participation should be viewed beyond whether the President was physically present in New York. In comments reported during the UNGA, he said Nigeria retained its designated position at the General Assembly and that senior officials representing the country were fully engaged in the diplomatic programme.
The Nigerian delegation used the General Assembly to advance the country’s position on reform of international institutions, stronger African representation in global decision-making and Nigeria’s longstanding campaign for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Shettima reiterated that position in Nigeria’s national address, calling for changes to the Security Council to better reflect contemporary global realities.
Ibrahim has also taken on leadership responsibilities within the UN system. In September, he assumed the chairmanship of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, known as C-34, while also serving as chairman of the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee on administrative and budgetary matters.
The latest comments therefore come as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its participation in multilateral diplomacy and use its positions within the UN system to push for institutional reforms and greater African representation.
Ibrahim’s remarks also come shortly after Tinubu returned to Nigeria following his extended working vacation in Europe. The President, upon his arrival in Lagos, said he was healthy and ready to resume work, a development covered by TheDailyNewsHub in Tinubu Returns to Nigeria and Declares He Is Healthy and Ready to Work.
Nigeria’s diplomatic role at the United Nations will remain an important part of the country’s foreign-policy agenda as it seeks greater representation in global institutions and continues to engage other member states on security, development, economic cooperation and international reform.