Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday addressed world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, urging stronger cooperation to solve global challenges. The speech was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In his message, Tinubu stressed the need for unity, fairness, and collective action to tackle conflicts, economic instability, and climate change. He said Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, remains committed to peace and development at home and abroad.

Tinubu could not attend in person, but Shettima stood in for him before the gathering of presidents, prime ministers, and diplomats in New York.

Key themes of the speech

The Nigerian leader called on developed nations to support Africa with investment, technology, and fair trade opportunities. He said African countries are not asking for charity, but for partnerships that create jobs and reduce poverty.

“Africa’s future cannot be shaped by handouts. It must be shaped by cooperation, respect, and shared responsibility,” Shettima said on behalf of Tinubu.

Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges. He noted that instability in one part of the world often affects others, and urged nations to treat Africa’s security problems as global concerns.

Push for climate action

On climate change, Tinubu reminded the assembly that African countries contribute the least to global emissions but suffer the most from droughts, floods, and desertification. He called for climate justice and for wealthy nations to honor pledges of financial support for developing countries.

“The world must recognize that our people face rising food insecurity, loss of livelihoods, and migration pressures due to a crisis they did not create,” Shettima said.

Economic growth and reform

The president used the platform to present Nigeria as open for business. He pointed to recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and moves to stabilize the currency, as signs of his government’s seriousness.

He urged international investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s large youth population, natural resources, and growing technology sector.

“Nigeria is ready for genuine partnerships that drive mutual growth,” the speech said. “We call on global partners to see Africa not as a problem, but as a place of opportunity.”

Support for multilateralism

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UN system and multilateral diplomacy. He warned that unilateral actions, protectionism, and disregard for international law could worsen global tensions.

“The challenges we face — from pandemics to climate change to armed conflict — cannot be solved by any one nation alone. We must act together or risk failure together,” Shettima told the assembly.

Reactions and significance

Nigeria’s speech came as world leaders debated conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as economic divides between the Global North and South. Diplomats from other African countries welcomed Tinubu’s emphasis on partnership and fairness.

Analysts noted that having the vice president deliver the address allowed Tinubu to keep Nigeria’s voice at the table while managing urgent issues at home. His government is under pressure to ease inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.

Nigeria has often used the UN General Assembly to call for reform of global financial systems, greater representation for Africa on the UN Security Council, and more attention to African development. This year’s speech continued those themes, with a focus on economic reform and climate justice.

What comes next

Tinubu is expected to follow up with bilateral meetings and regional diplomacy in Africa in the coming months. His government is seeking foreign investment, security cooperation, and climate funding to support its domestic agenda.

“The world must not forget Africa,” Shettima said in closing. “Our success is tied to the success of humanity as a whole.”