Nigeria Reaffirms UN Support as Global Strategy Shifts

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations and the principles of the UN Charter, pledging continued support for the organisation amid changing global strategic priorities.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, when the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Enikanolaiye welcomed what he described as a shift in strategic thinking within the United Nations system, while commending the organisation for its sustained support to Nigeria through its various agencies, funds and programmes.

He described the UN as an important partner in humanitarian intervention, development cooperation and peacebuilding, particularly for vulnerable communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

“For us as a country, we value our relationship with the United Nations. We participate actively in the maintenance of international peace and security and in advancing the other purposes for which the UN was established,” the minister said.

He added that Nigeria remained willing to deepen its engagement with the organisation because of the impact of its programmes on the lives of Nigerians.

“I wish to pledge our total support for the United Nations,” Enikanolaiye stated.

The minister, however, called for fresh approaches to addressing the challenge of declining resources available for humanitarian and development interventions.

He advocated stronger partnerships with the private sector and the exploration of alternative funding mechanisms to sustain development programmes and humanitarian responses.

Enikanolaiye said innovative financing would become increasingly important as traditional sources of funding faced growing pressure.

Earlier, Fall described Nigeria as his second home as he prepares to conclude his assignment in the country later this year after nearly a decade of service.

Fall first served in Nigeria with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) before taking up his current role as Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

He commended Nigeria for its longstanding contributions to the UN, describing the country not only as a committed member of the organisation but also as a force that has consistently promoted its ideals.

The UN official particularly recalled Nigeria’s historic contribution to regional peacekeeping through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

He said Nigeria’s role in regional peace operations demonstrated its leadership in efforts to promote peace and security in West Africa and beyond.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the importance of continued cooperation between Nigeria and the United Nations, particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, development and peacebuilding.