Nigeria is seeking greater economic benefits from its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations as the country takes leadership of the UN Fifth Committee, the body responsible for the organisation’s budget and administrative affairs.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Chairman of the Fifth Committee, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, stated this on Tuesday while speaking with State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ibrahim said one of his priorities is to examine Nigeria’s current returns from UN peacekeeping activities, noting that several countries generate significant foreign exchange from their participation in global peace support missions.
“I want to see how much is Nigeria getting from the UN budget on peacekeeping. That is very important because I see many countries depending on how much they get from peacekeeping,” he said.
He said Nigeria is working with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP to assess the country’s contribution to peacekeeping operations and explore ways to increase its participation and benefits.
According to him, peacekeeping can provide economic opportunities for countries, just like other sectors of the economy, adding that Nigeria must position itself to benefit more from its role in maintaining global peace and security.
The Nigerian envoy explained that the UN Fifth Committee handles two critical areas, the organisation’s budget and administration and currently oversees a budget of about 18.5 billion dollars.
He disclosed that the United Nations may face a funding shortfall of about $1.5 billion this year, stressing the need for stronger financing and improved management of resources.
Ibrahim also highlighted the ongoing UN@80 reforms, aimed at making the organisation more efficient and effective by reducing duplication among its agencies and bringing together overlapping functions.
He said after 80 years of existence, the United Nations must move beyond repeated discussions on sustainable growth and focus more on efficiency and effectiveness.
Ibrahim described Nigeria’s emergence as head of the Fifth Committee as a major diplomatic achievement, saying the position provides an opportunity for the country to influence global decisions on finance, administration and peacekeeping.
He added that Nigeria will use the opportunity to advance its interests while contributing more to international peace and security.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
