By Oluwayanmife Ayobami
President Bola Tinubu, representing Nigeria, delivered a compelling address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, calling for sanctions against companies and individuals involved in illegal arms and minerals smuggling in and out of Africa.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed the President’s statements during his UNGA address.
President Tinubu voiced his concerns about foreign entities contributing to poverty and chaos in parts of Africa by illegally exploiting the continent’s resources.
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If left unchecked, they will threaten peace
He highlighted how these entities, in collusion with local criminals aspiring to become warlords, have coerced thousands of Africans into illegal mining activities, leading to billions of dollars that should have been used for development now fueling violent enterprises.
Tinubu emphasized the seriousness of this issue, warning that if left unchecked, it could jeopardize peace and national security.
He raised the question of whether this phenomenon is a deliberate design or an accidental occurrence, prompting a call for member nations to collaborate in deterring their firms and nationals from engaging in this 21st-century pillage of Africa’s riches.
The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business
Regarding economic investment in Nigeria and Africa, Tinubu made it clear that both the country and the continent are open for business.
He stressed that the real question is not whether Nigeria is open for business, but rather how much of the world is genuinely open to engaging in business with Nigeria and Africa on equal and mutually beneficial terms.
“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner”, he stated
READ ALSO: Tinubu set to attend 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York
Tinubu to address United Nations General Assembly on the 19th of September
In another news, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is set to make his debut on the global stage as he addresses the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, September 19.
Tinubu’s speech is scheduled for the evening session, making him the fifth African leader to take the floor on the first day of the Assembly’s gathering.
He will be among a total of 20 leaders delivering speeches on the opening day.
