The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed its disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for pursuing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while the issue of insecurity in the nation persists without resolution.
In a statement released yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC also questioned Tinubu’s absence from the passing-out parade and the Presidential Commissioning of officers of the Nigerian Army at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned from New York after representing Nigeria at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a separate development, Abuja has secured a renewed funding commitment from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to advance the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ). This second phase aims to extend climate-resilient infrastructure and promote inclusive agro-industrial growth to an additional 24 states, expanding from the initial eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
ADC has characterized the actions of bandits as an absurdity, stating that they are “ravaging the country, killing Nigerians at will while the government seems either indifferent or unable to protect the lives of its citizens,” yet is able to seek a permanent position in the international security domain.
The party asserted that Nigeria’s aspiration for a UNSC seat will remain a source of ridicule until the government proves both its capability and its commitment to safeguarding the lives of its own citizens.
During Shettima’s activities at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), he received praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres regarding Nigeria’s pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Additionally, he highlighted Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition potential to international investors and fostered strategic collaborations with the United Kingdom in areas such as trade, defense, and migration.
While delivering Tinubu’s national address at UNGA, the Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s appeal for extensive reforms within the UN and a permanent council seat for Africa’s most populous country. He also called for increased African authority over the continent’s $700 billion mineral resources and advocated for digital inclusion as a crucial factor for development.
On the sidelines, Shettima engaged with the Gates Foundation to explore the expansion of healthcare and educational programs, while also positioning Nigeria as the primary hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)’s $3.4 trillion market.
Cabinet ministers accompanying the delegation and officials from Nigeria’s Mission to the UN were present to bid farewell to the Vice President at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. He is set to proceed to Germany before returning to Nigeria.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) initiative seeks to diversify Nigeria’s reliance on a single-product economy by boosting value-added agricultural exports.
Shettima made this request on Friday in New York during a bilateral discussion with AfDB President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, also held on the sidelines of UNGA.
Emphasizing Nigeria’s status as the largest shareholder in the AfDB, with a portfolio exceeding $10 billion, Shettima urged the bank to enhance its support.
“You provided us with $300 million during your tenure in Liberia. We appreciate it, but like Oliver Twist, we are requesting more. Nigeria is committed to diversifying its economy towards agriculture, especially in value-added exports. From the mangrove swamps in the south to the Sahelian north, our agro-ecological zones possess the capability to cultivate nearly anything,” he stated.
The Vice President emphasized Nigeria’s youthful and development-focused population, urging for increased involvement from the AfDB in supporting innovation-driven enterprises, extending beyond the conventional MSMEs.
In reply, Tah committed to transforming the bank into more than just a lender, aiming to serve as a catalyst for attracting global capital to Africa.
Previously, Shettima had a meeting with the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, during which both leaders reiterated their dedication to enhancing economic and cultural connections.
He assured Drew of Tinubu’s determination to fortify the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.
Drew expressed concern regarding the minimal levels of trade and interaction between Africa and the Caribbean, yet he affirmed his country’s willingness to collaborate closely with Nigeria to strengthen these ties.
