UNGA: Nigeria Seeks Joint Action Against Security Threats

President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism and other transnational security threats, urging countries to share intelligence, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent illegal weapons from crossing borders.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday while delivering Nigeria’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him at the gathering.

The President said terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows continued to exploit gaps between national security systems, making closer international cooperation necessary.

“Nigeria’s prolonged struggle against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups has taught us that military victories require enduring foundations in education, economic opportunity, accountable governance, and communities whose rights and dignity are protected.

“We must exchange intelligence, strengthen institutional capacity, interrupt the financing of violence, and prevent weapons from crossing borders that our responses too often fail to cross,” he said.

Tinubu links insecurity to development

The President said the security situation in the Sahel showed how instability in one country could spread across borders, displace communities and undermine regional integration and democratic governance.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, alongside international partners, to address insecurity.

Nigeria has identified peace and security, multilateral cooperation and reforms to global institutions among its priorities at the 81st General Assembly.

Tinubu also called for greater attention to the underlying causes of violent extremism, linking security with economic and social development.

“Development cannot take root while violence repeatedly uproots livelihoods, and peace cannot endure while injustice and exclusion replenish the ranks of those who threaten it,” he said.

Nigeria calls for diplomacy

Speaking about conflicts beyond Africa, Tinubu called for urgent diplomatic efforts to address the war in Sudan and other crises affecting countries around the world.

He urged all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those affected by conflicts.

“We place our faith in diplomacy because military victories alone cannot secure lasting peace,” the President said.

He advocated dialogue, reconciliation, inclusive political processes and greater investment in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Shettima represents Tinubu at UNGA

Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly on Tinubu’s mandate and is scheduled to present Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.

The General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Nigeria’s participation also includes engagements on sustainable development, climate finance, international financial reform and stronger African representation in global decision-making.