Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is determined to address long-standing grievances believed to be fuelling insecurity within the country and across the wider West African region.
Ibrahim made the remarks after presenting his Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York City.
According to the envoy, President Tinubu views Nigeria’s engagement at the UN as vital in mobilising global support to tackle both domestic and international security challenges. He noted that the administration is focused on addressing deep-rooted issues, including religious conflicts and other crises linked to historical grievances.
He explained that resolving these concerns is central to strengthening peace, unity, and safety, not only in Nigeria but across the sub-region, particularly in areas affected by instability in the Sahel and West Africa.
Ibrahim emphasised that Nigeria is seeking stronger collaboration with the international community to confront security threats, adding that internal stability and regional peace remain critical pillars for sustainable development.
He described his appointment as a renewed commitment by Nigeria to active diplomatic engagement, noting that the country is returning to full representation at the UN after over two years without a substantive permanent envoy.
The ambassador also reiterated Nigeria’s support for reforms within the United Nations, including the push for increased African representation on the Security Council. He said securing a permanent seat for Africa would mark a historic milestone and significantly improve global collective security.
On the economy, Ibrahim acknowledged that ongoing reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration may come with short-term challenges but insisted they are laying a solid foundation for long-term growth and stability.
He added that Nigeria would continue to advocate for global cooperation in key areas such as international tax reforms, climate action, and multilateral partnerships aimed at promoting peace and development.
The diplomat further stressed the importance of global peace to economic stability, highlighting the strategic role of critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz in the global economy.
In his remarks, the UN Secretary-General underscored Nigeria’s importance in strengthening multilateral efforts, while Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed welcomed Ibrahim’s appointment, noting that Nigeria’s absence at that level had been felt.
Nigeria became the 99th member of the United Nations on October 7, 1960, shortly after gaining independence, and has since played a key role in peacekeeping operations and in advocating reforms within the global body.

