Nigeria’s new permanent representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, says President Bola Tinubu is determined to resolve “long-standing grievances” fueling insecurity in Nigeria and across the wider region.

Mr Ibrahim stated this after presenting his letter of credence to UN secretary-general António Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York City on Monday.

He said Mr Tinubu believed his presence at the UN would provide “essential support to address security concerns both locally and internationally”. He said the president was committed to addressing “religious conflicts and other crises, which stem from long-standing grievances”.

According to him, Mr Tinubu sees the resolution of such grievances as critical to “strengthen peace and safety for everyone”.

Mr Ibrahim said Nigeria was also “committed to gathering support for addressing security challenges at home”, while tackling threats linked to the Sahel and West African sub-region.

He noted that resolving domestic grievances and regional instability remained “the foundation of security” in Nigeria and beyond.

The diplomat said Nigeria was renewing its multilateral engagement at a critical moment.

Mr Ibrahim said his appointment marked Nigeria’s return to active diplomatic leadership at the UN after more than two years without a substantive permanent representative.

“President Tinubu is confident that, as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Head of Mission to the UN, I will work hand-in-hand with you to tackle the issues we share,” he said.

The envoy reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for UN reforms and stronger African representation at the Security Council.

He said an African seat at the Council “would be celebrated as a significant historical achievement” and “could greatly enhance our collective security”.

Ibrahim also highlighted Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they were laying the foundations for long-term growth despite short-term pain.

“All reforms in the short run come with one form of pain or the other, but the results have been remarkable,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria will continue to champion international tax reforms, climate action and multilateral cooperation to promote peace and development.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “playing a vital role in Africa in achieving the United Nations’ core goals”.

He also said Mr Tinubu emphasised the crucial role of peace in economic stability, particularly the Strait of Hormuz’s significance to the world economy.

The new ambassador also visited the UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed.

Nigeria was admitted as the 99th member state of the United Nations on October 7, 1960, just six days after gaining independence.

Since joining the multilateral institution, Nigeria has become a major partner in UN peacekeeping and a prominent voice for Africa, advocating for UN reforms and a permanent seat on the Security Council. 

(NAN)