Nigeria has recorded another major diplomatic win at the United Nations with the assumption of the chairmanship of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.
This marks the country’s second key UN committee chairmanship in less than six months.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim who also chairs the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Matters, formally took over the Peacekeeping Committee, known as C-34 from Canada.
Speaking after the handover, Ambassador Ibrahim poutlined Nigeria’s priorities to make UN peacekeeping more effective, accountable and responsive to realities on ground.
He said Nigeria will work closely with Canada, other members of the C-34 Bureau, troop- and police-contributing countries, financial contributors, the UN Secretariat and host countries ahead of the committee’s 2027 substantive session.
The Peacekeeping Committee brings together major stakeholders including troop contributors, financial contributors, Security Council members and countries hosting UN peacekeeping operations.
Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador David Lametti, pledged support for Nigeria’s leadership, particularly on peacekeeping financing and stronger interaction between delegates and peacekeeping missions in the field.
Canada also backed proposals for field visits to help committee members understand operational challenges firsthand.
Ambassador Ibrahim said Nigeria’s focus will be on protection of civilians, field-informed policymaking, financial responsibility, respect for the UN Charter and greater accountability.
He also called for stronger participation by senior military leadership in C-34 deliberations ahead of the February to March 2027 session.
The Nigerian envoy reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s support for UN peacekeeping effort, describing the new role as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen multilateralism and improve the effectiveness of UN operations worldwide.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
