In his address to the 78th United Nations General Assembly, President Tinubu called for the UN to universally sanction any individuals or companies that smuggle weapons or minerals into or out of Africa.
The time is now for UN member states to demonstrate, with their actions, that they mean what they say regarding the crackdown on terrorism financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral & arms smuggling in the developing world, according to President Bola Tinubu, who spoke to world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday in New York City.
“Protecting the continent’s mineral-rich regions from theft and hostilities is a crucial component of building global trust and cooperation. Many of these places have turned into pits of suffering and exploitation. Despite a significant UN presence there, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced this for years. The global economy owes the DRC a lot but only gives her a small amount.
“Thousands of our people have been forced into servitude by foreign organizations to mine gold and other minerals illegally, with the help of local criminals who aspire to be petty warlords. Millions of cash intended to help the country are now used to finance endless deadly activities. They will seriously jeopardize national security and pose a threat to peace if left unchecked. Numerous Africans are pondering if this phenomena is accidental or deliberate given the severity of this injustice and the significant stakes involved. In response, member countries must cooperate with us to dissuade their businesses and citizens from plundering the continent’s wealth in the 21st century. The world must overcome national poverty if we are to uphold the principles of this international organization and the theme of this year’s Assembly. The President said that the exploitation of one nation’s resources by businesses and individuals from more powerful countries had to stop.
In addition, President Tinubu noted that his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably successful in portraying Nigeria as business-ready. However, the President suggested that the ease of doing business may not be the main obstacle to large-scale investment.
“Whether Nigeria is a business-friendly country is not the question. How much of the world is actually willing to conduct business with Nigeria and Africa in an open, mutually beneficial manner is the question. Direct investment in vital industries, opening their ports to a broader variety and volume of high-quality African exports, and significant debt reduction are all significant components of the partnership we seek, the President said.
The President also stated that a “one size fits all” strategy cannot be used to combat the effects of climate change on a global scale and that nations must work together to develop and implement their own strategies that are specific to their individual socioeconomic strengths and weaknesses.
“Nations of Africa will combat climate change, but we must do so on our own terms. This campaign must complement our broader economic initiatives in order to win the necessary popular consensus. By emphasizing corrective measures that also advance the greater economic good, we will foster political consensus in Nigeria. The creation of jobs through local water management and irrigation projects is an example of an initiative that simultaneously advances economic and climate change goals. Projects like “The Great Green Wall” to stop desert expansion, the mass production and distribution of gas-burning stoves to stop the destruction of our forests, and the stopping of desertification are all examples of similar initiatives. “Continental efforts to combat climate change will only achieve significant success if developed economies are more willing to provide public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred projects and initiatives,” the President cautioned.
President Bola Tinubu finished by reminding everyone what Africa actually stands for in the global community.
“Follow us as real friends and allies. Africa is neither a problem to be avoided nor a place to feel sorry for. The future of the globe lies in Africa without a doubt.
Principal Ajuri Ngelale
President’s Special Advisor
The State House, Abuja in 2020 — The State House, Abuja
