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 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).
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).
ADC describes 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.
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.
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.
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 demanded greater African control over the continent’s $700 billion mineral wealth and championed digital inclusion as a key driver of development.
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.
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.
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.
“You assisted us with $300 million when you were in Liberia. We are grateful, but like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. Nigeria is determined to diversify its economy into agriculture, particularly value-added exports. From the mangrove swamps of the south to the Sahelian north, our agro-ecological zones have the potential to grow virtually anything,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted Nigeria’s youthful, development-oriented population and called for AfDB’s greater involvement in supporting innovation-driven enterprises, beyond traditional MSMEs.
In response, Tah pledged to position the bank not merely as a lender, but as a catalyst for mobilising global capital to Africa.
Earlier, Shettima had 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.
He assured Drew of Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen Africa-Caribbean bonds.
Drew, on his part, lamented the low levels of trade and engagement between Africa and the Caribbean, but pledged his country’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria to boost ties.