In a pivotal moment, President Bola Tinubu addressed the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York City. He urged UN member states to act decisively against terror financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral and arms smuggling.
Tinubu highlighted the plight of mineral-rich areas in Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Many such areas have become catacombs of misery and exploitation,” he said. He called on member nations to deter their firms and nationals from pillaging Africa’s resources.
The President also discussed his diplomatic push for new investments in Nigeria. “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,” Tinubu affirmed.
Furthermore, Tinubu spoke on climate change, advocating for a tailored approach. “African nations will fight climate change, but we must do so on our terms,” he stated. He cited projects like ‘The Great Green Wall’ as examples of efforts that advance both economic and climate objectives.
Tinubu 78th UN General Assembly concluded by reminding the world of Africa’s significance. “Africa is not a problem to be avoided; it is the key to the world’s future,” he said.
Full Text of President Bola Tinubu’s Speech at the 78th UN General Assembly
“Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed delegates, and distinguished world leaders,
I stand before you today as the President of Nigeria, representing a continent rich in culture, resources, and potential. Yet, we face challenges that undermine our progress and threaten global stability.
The fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity is to secure our mineral-rich areas from exploitation and conflict. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has suffered this for decades, despite a strong UN presence. The world economy owes the DRC much but gives her very little.
Foreign entities, abetted by local criminals aspiring to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources. Billions meant for national improvement now fuel violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk.
Given the extent of this injustice, many Africans question whether this phenomenon is by accident or design. Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st-century pillage of our riches.
I also note that my aggressive economic development diplomatic push has been effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready. However, the ease of doing business might not be the major encumbrance to large-scale investment. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.
On climate change, African nations will fight, but we must do so on our terms. Projects like ‘The Great Green Wall’ and local water management are examples of efforts that advance both economic and climate objectives.
In conclusion, walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided; it is the key to the world’s future.
Thank you.”
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