At UNGA, VP Shettima urges global terror cooperation, ties security to development
VP Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria's address at the 81st UNGA in New York on Sept 24, 2026, on behalf of President Tinubu, calling for stronger global cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance. He stressed that military victories over groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP require enduring foundations in education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and protection of communities' rights.
Tinubu urged nations to exchange intelligence, strengthen institutional capacity, disrupt terror financing and block cross-border weapons, citing the Sahel's instability as a warning how one country's insecurity threatens neighbours and regional stability. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to ECOWAS, AU and international partnerships, and linked development to security, saying peace cannot endure while injustice fuels extremism.
On global conflicts like Sudan, he advocated diplomacy, respect for humanitarian law, civilian protection and humanitarian access, stating military wins alone cannot secure lasting peace.
Given this dual focus on international cooperation and root-cause solutions, do you believe Nigeria's strategy of combining security partnerships with investments in education, jobs and governance will effectively curb terrorism, or should more resources be directed toward local development to undermine insurgent recruitment at the source?