The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for seeking a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while insecurity in the country remains unabated.
In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described as absurdity the activities of bandits “ravaging the country, killing Nigerians at will while the government appears either unperturbed or incapable of securing the lives of its citizens,” but could demand a permanent seat at the international security arena. The party said Nigeria’s request for a UNSC seat would indeed remain laughable until the government demonstrates both the capacity and the willingness to secure the lives of its own people.
The ADC also queried Tinubu’s absence at the passing-out parade and Presidential Commissioning of officers of the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday.
However, Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York after representing the country at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During Shettima’s engagements at UNGA, he secured the commendation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UNSC.
Delivering Tinubu’s national statement at UNGA, the Vice President renewed Nigeria’s call for comprehensive UN reforms and a permanent council seat for Africa’s most populous nation. He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and advanced strategic partnerships with the United Kingdom on trade, defence and migration. He demanded greater African control over the continent’s $700 billion mineral wealth and championed digital inclusion as a key driver of development.
In another development, Abuja secured a renewed funding commitment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to drive the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). The second phase will extend climate-resilient infrastructure and inclusive agro-industrial growth to 24 additional states, from the initial eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The AfDB initiative aims to diversify Nigeria’s mono-product economy by enhancing value-added agricultural exports. Shettima made the appeal on Friday in New York during a bilateral meeting with AfDB President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, also on the sidelines of UNGA. Underscoring Nigeria’s position as AfDB’s largest shareholder, with a portfolio of over $10 billion, Shettima urged the bank to scale up its support.
In response, Tah pledged to position the bank not merely as a lender, but as a catalyst for mobilising global capital to Africa.
On the sidelines, Shettima met with the Gates Foundation to discuss expanding healthcare and education initiatives, while also positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s $3.4 trillion market. He also met with the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen economic and cultural ties.
The Vice President was seen off at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport by cabinet ministers on the delegation and officials of Nigeria’s Mission to the UN. He is scheduled to continue to Germany before returning to Nigeria.
