Ex-foreign affairs minister Ibrahim Gambari has praised Nigeria’s emergence as chairman of the United Nations Budget Committee as a historic diplomatic achievement that requires strategic leadership and international consensus-building.

Mr Gambari, a former UN under-secretary-general, said Nigeria’s assumption of the influential position was particularly significant amid mounting financial pressures and expanding global responsibilities. He spoke in an interview after secretary-general António Guterres presented the UN’s proposed 2027 programme budget.

He noted that Nigeria joined the United Nations on October 7, 1960, becoming its 99th member state shortly after attaining independence.

“Since we became the 99th member on October 7, 1960, this is the first time that Nigeria has assumed the chairmanship of the Fifth Committee,” Mr Gambari said.

The Fifth Committee, responsible for administrative and budgetary matters, plays a central role in determining how the UN finances its programmes and operations. Mr Gambari said he attended the budget presentation to demonstrate solidarity with Nigeria’s Permanent Representative, Jimoh Ibrahim, who chairs the committee.

“It’s a great honour to give moral support to Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Fifth Committee, particularly at a difficult time like this,” he said.

Mr Gambari described Mr Ibrahim’s emergence as committee chairman within approximately four months of assuming office as evidence of Nigeria’s capacity to secure important diplomatic leadership positions.

He said the achievement must now be translated into effective leadership capable of building agreement among countries with competing financial and political interests.

“First, leadership is the key,” Mr Gambari declared, stressing that successful negotiations required preparation, consultation and an understanding of diplomatic alliances.

The former minister said Mr Ibrahim had personally sought his advice on navigating the complex negotiations over the organisation’s budget.

(NAN)