President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the United Nations to take a more practical approach in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism due to its far-reaching impact on global peace, displacement of people, and the surge in poverty levels.
He made this call during a meeting with Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary General of the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism, at the State House.
President Tinubu emphasized that terrorism has consistently hindered development progress and increased instability within families and communities. He expressed his concern about the inconsistent and sporadic nature of UN cooperation in addressing terrorism, particularly in developing countries. He emphasized that future collaborations must be based on the UN charter’s principles rather than mere charity.
While acknowledging the UN’s efforts, the President pointed out that there’s room for improvement, especially in providing tangible support in addition to collaboration. He stressed that terrorism poses a significant threat to democracy and development and called for a comprehensive approach to understanding the “where, how, and when” of terrorism.
President Tinubu emphasized that achieving global peace and prosperity requires swift and comprehensive solutions to insurgency challenges worldwide, emphasizing the importance of organizations like the UN in supporting these efforts.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, highlighted the conditions that contribute to insurgency, such as poverty and injustice, while praising Nigeria’s investments in education and social security.
Mr. Vladimir Voronkov praised Nigeria’s contributions to global counter-terrorism efforts and mentioned that Nigeria already has a framework for prevention, mitigation, and reconciliation in countering terrorism. He also disclosed plans for a Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja in April 2024, with a focus on an African-driven agenda.
