President Tinubu made his first appearance as Nigeria’s President at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with the theme, ‘Rebuilding trust and reigning global solidarity’ in New York on Tuesday, September 19. The five key issues highlighted by the President in his speech border on economic co-operation, democratic governance, insecurity, illegal exploration of mineral resources and climate change.
President Tinubu called on other countries to pursue enhanced international co-operation with Africa for the actualisation of the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He stated that Nigeria welcomes partnerships with those who do not mind seeing Nigeria and Africa assume larger roles in the global community. He noted that direct investment in critical industries, with the rest of the world opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of African exports and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation sought.
On the wave of military coups across Africa, President Tinubu noted that these coups do not demonstrate favour towards military regime but a demand for solutions to perennial problems. He expressed his commitment to help re-establish democratic governance in a manner that addresses the political and economic challenges in Niger Republic, in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
While pledging to the disbandment of terrorist groups within the African region, President Bola Tinubu called on the international community to strengthen its commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent people into West Africa.
On the issue of illegal mineral exploration, President Tinubu implored Member States of the United Nations to deter their firms and nationals from engaging in the pillage of African resources.