The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has solicited support of the Federal Nigerian on the implementation of sustainable development goals 16.

SDG 16 addresses the need to promote peace and inclusive institutions.

Ms Mohammed made the call when the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adamu Lamuwa, and the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Head of Service, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, paid her a visit at the UN headquarters in New York.

She emphasised on capacity building, saying, “We are asking for support for SDG goal 16 on institutions because if they are not strengthened, it will be difficult to achieve the development goals.’’

Ms Mohammed, however, told her guests that Nigeria had been leading the African group to push for an equitable and fair international tax system toward achieving the SDGs.

Nigeria and the African Group on Thursday called for support from the member states to adopt a resolution on “promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations.’’

Nigeria had, during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly presented a historic resolution which laid the foundation for the creation of a new system of international tax cooperation that should be universal in scope and approach.

With this, member states agreed for the first time to have a convention on tax cooperation and to annually discuss global tax issues and review progress.

The motion, submitted for consideration by Nigeria on behalf of a 54-member African group of states, was adopted by consensus after some discussions on a failed amendment.

Ms Mohammed said that the UN had been recognising the role of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, on the tax resolution.

She said, “We have been doing well on the tax resolution. Everybody is proud of Nigeria. Bande has gained a lot of respect at the UN. In fact, the President of the General Assembly acknowledged his sound leadership qualities. Even behind the scenes, he is offering his support and we have learnt a lot from him and l hope Nigeria will continue to tap from his wealth of experience even after his tenure is over.’’ 

Ms Mohammed advised Nigeria on reviewing its foreign policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his role in African Union and global politics.

In his response, Mr Lamuwa thanked Ms Mohammed for receiving him and for the fruitful discussion with her on advancing Nigeria’s role in global affairs.

The envoy also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment in achieving the SDGs, especially goal 16.

In addition, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s role in advancing Africa’s interest on the UN Security Council and tax policy.

 (NAN)