Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took the global stage on Tuesday as he addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
In his inaugural speech, President Tinubu, also the Chairman of the Authorities of Heads of States of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spoke on behalf of Nigeria and the entire African continent.
The theme of the event, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all,” provided the backdrop for President Tinubu’s address.
In his speech, President Tinubu expressed the readiness of Nigeria and other African nations to engage with genuine foreign partners who are willing to collaborate on an equitable basis. He emphasized the importance of respecting the will of Africans and putting an end to the exploitation of the continent’s resources by more economically powerful nations and corporations.
President Tinubu stated, “The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.”
He highlighted key areas of cooperation sought by African nations, including direct investment in critical industries, opening up of ports to accommodate a wider range and larger quantity of African exports, and meaningful debt relief. These measures, President Tinubu asserted, are essential components of the collaborative efforts African nations are eager to engage in to achieve mutual prosperity and progress.
The president’s address at the UNGA underscored the importance of equitable partnerships and respect for African nations’ sovereignty and resources on the global stage. It also signaled a call to action for the international community to work together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while fostering peace and sustainability for all.
