Nigeria President addresses 78th United Nations General Assembly

During the 78th United Nations General Assembly session held on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu delivered his inaugural address, where he underscored the necessity for Africa to overcome the challenges posed by external exploitation and tap into its considerable potential while advancing the region’s prosperity through democratic principles.

He also highlighted the importance of the international community prioritizing investments in African development and emphasized the urgent need to address the consequences of climate change.

Regarding the priority of African development, the president argued that global institutions, other nations, and private sector entities must consider African development as a top priority, not only for the benefit of Africa but also in their own interests. He pointed out that historical factors and external influences have hindered economic development, industrial growth, job creation, and equitable wealth distribution in Nigeria and Africa, and he expressed readiness to collaborate with those who share a vision of Nigeria and Africa playing more significant roles on the global stage.

President Tinubu stressed the significance of upholding democratic governance as the best safeguard for the will and well-being of the people. He denounced military coups and political arrangements that perpetuate injustice, citing recent coup d’états in West and Central Africa. Tinubu mentioned ongoing negotiations with military leaders in Niger and his commitment, as Chairman of ECOWAS, to restore democratic governance in the face of political and economic challenges.

Bola Tinubu spoke about the battle against violent extremism, acknowledging the region’s prolonged struggle against violent extremists. He called for stronger international commitment to curbing the flow of arms and extremists into West Africa, as well as addressing the root causes of extremism.

The Nigerian President Resource highlighted the exploitation and suffering in resource-rich areas, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and CAR. He called on UN member nations to collaborate with African nations to discourage their companies and citizens from participating in the exploitation of African resources.

On the climate change issue, President Tinubu acknowledged the severe impacts of climate change in Nigeria and Africa. He expressed condolences for lives lost in Nigeria, Morocco, and Libya and called for a campaign against climate change that aligns with economic efforts and garners popular support.

At the end of his speech, President Tinubu called on the world to walk alongside Africa as true friends and partners, highlighting Africa’s pivotal role in shaping the world’s future.