By Bunmi Yekini
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, has wrapped up a two-day official visit to Nigeria, emphasizing the need for stronger partnerships to address pressing global and regional challenges.
During her visit, which took place from January 9 to 10, 2025, Ms. Mohammed engaged in high-level discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and other senior government officials. She also met with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and the UN Country Team led by Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Malick Fall.
Key topics included regional integration, combating climate change, food security, internal displacement, and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to enhance Nigeria’s economic ties across the region.
“Member States, including Nigeria, and with the support of the UN and other stakeholders, need to deliver more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to ensure a safer and more livable future for both the planet and people everywhere,” Ms. Mohammed stated.
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She highlighted the significance of the Pact for the Future, which emerged from the September 2024 Summit of the Future in New York, as a critical framework for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Pact is not a separate agenda from the SDGs. It is one and the same. That is why the first chapter is on SDGs and financing for development. It is about international peace and security; science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance,” she explained.
Ms. Mohammed reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through the implementation of the UN and Nigeria Cooperation Framework (2023-2027), promising to work closely with the government to achieve the country’s development aspirations.
“The United Nations in Nigeria will strengthen its partnership with the government to leave no one behind,” she assured.