Nigeria has restated its commitment to supporting the United Nations’ efforts in maintaining global peace and security. The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, emphasised Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping operations while speaking at the Summit of the Future during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s long history of contributing to international peace since its first involvement in the Congo in 1960. According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information, Henshaw Ogubike, Nigeria has provided troops, financial aid, logistics, and civilian experts to several countries, including Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.
In addition to its peacekeeping efforts, Nigeria has played a key role in regional stability within West Africa and the Sahel. Badaru also called for Africa to have permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, emphasising its significance in ensuring a more inclusive approach to global peace and security.
Addressing emerging security threats, Badaru stressed the importance of stopping illegal financial flows, which fuel issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and the proliferation of illicit arms. He urged the international community to strengthen efforts to tackle these growing challenges.