The Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, says President Bola Tinubu will confer national honours on some Nigerians serving within the United Nations system.

Mr Jimoh made the announcement at a dinner hosted for members of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC) – Nigeria Association at the Nigeria House in New York.

He said the Tinubu administration recognised the outstanding contributions of Nigerians serving across the UN and remained committed to rewarding excellence and service.

“Many of you here deserve national honours,” Mr Jimoh told the gathering.

“I can assure you that in the next batch, some of you will receive national honours for services rendered to Nigeria and the global community,” he said.

The envoy said Mr Tinubu would fulfil his pledge to recognise Nigerians who had distinguished themselves within the international system.

Mr Jimoh expressed appreciation to Nigerian professionals serving across UN agencies, programmes and departments.

He suggested that the Nigerian government should appoint some of them as ministers and heads of agencies and departments to benefit from their expertise in developing the country. He also said some of them could consider taking leave of absence for some years to serve Nigeria at the federal or state level.

“You have continued to make Nigeria proud through your professionalism, sacrifice and contributions to the international community.

“We will stand by you and support your career. The country is here to provide all the support needed for you to succeed,” he said.

The ambassador also declared that Nigeria had returned strongly to the centre of multilateral diplomacy and global affairs.

According to him, recent diplomatic successes at the United Nations reflected the country’s renewed international influence.

“Let me thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, for her tremendous support to Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Jimoh highlighted the appointment of Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa to UN Secretary-General António Guterres as one of Nigeria’s early wins within the first 90 days of his assumption of office.

He cited Nigeria’s growing success in elections into strategic positions within the UN system, including Prof. Olufemi Elias’ election into the International Law Commission following renewed diplomatic engagement by Nigeria.

He also referenced Nigeria’s leadership of the Fifth Committee on Budgetary and Administrative Matters, which he was elected to just two weeks ago.

“We are presenting Esther (Eghobamien-Mshelia) next week as Nigeria’s candidate for the UN CEDAW Committee 2027-2030,” he said.

On Africa’s representation, Mr Jimoh reiterated Nigeria’s support for reform of the UN Security Council.

“Africa accounts for about 25 per cent of the world’s population and 54 member states of the United Nations,” he said.

“Nigeria will continue to champion Africa’s agenda on Security Council reform. It is an insecurity for Africa not to be represented among the permanent members of the Security Council.”

Mr Jimoh also disclosed that Mr Tinubu would attend the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

He said the president was encouraged by Nigeria’s achievements since re-engaging actively in multilateral diplomacy.

The ambassador also addressed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria, saying the government is combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address security challenges.

Earlier, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, in remarks delivered by Vivian Okeke, Director, International Atomic Energy Agency Liaison Office in New York, praised Nigerians serving within the UN system.

“Together, you reflect the best of Nigeria: our resilience, our intellect, our diversity and our ambition,” Mrs Mohammed said.

The deputy secretary-general emphasised Africa’s growing importance to the future of global governance.

“Africa is not a beneficiary of multilateralism. Africa is a driver of multilateralism.”

She praised Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, mediation, humanitarian action and development across Africa, saying “Nigeria has always understood this responsibility”.

Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Association in the UN, Foluke Ojelabi, welcomed Nigeria’s renewed visibility at the United Nations.

Mrs Ojelabi said she and her Nigerian counterparts working within the UN system were “most delighted that Nigeria is back”.

She commended Nigerian professionals for their dedication and commitment to excellence.

She, however, expressed concern over the funding challenges affecting the United Nations and some staff members.

The UNSRC-Nigeria Association comprises UN employees, diplomats and retirees of Nigerian descent in New York. 

(NAN)