Nigeria’s UN envoy pushes trade over aid, seeks UN Security Council seat
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, said at a reception honouring Ahunna Eziakonwa’s appointment as Senior Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary‑General that Africa does not need aid and should pursue trade, investment and partnership instead. He praised US President Donald Trump’s “Trade over Aid” initiative, noting only six African nations have signed up, with Nigeria taking a measured role. Ibrahim also criticised Africa’s lack of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, pointing out that the continent makes up 25 % of the world’s population yet has no permanent voice, and urged Eziakonwa to use her new role to push for such representation. He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, praised Deputy UN Secretary‑General Amina Mohammed’s achievements, and quoted Eziakonwa saying she remains ‘fully made in Nigeria’. The News Agency of Nigeria noted low African participation in the US trade programme. The remarks highlight Africa’s push for self‑reliance in development and greater influence in global governance, issues that affect Nigeria’s foreign policy, trade opportunities and its quest for a UN Security Council seat.