President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, met with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, in New York on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
This is the first meeting between the two leaders since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
President Tinubu also met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General and a former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the meeting came hours after Tinubu addressed world leaders at the 78th session of UNGA, concerning the need to protect Africa’s mineral-rich regions from exploitation and conflict.
The Nigerian leader cited the example of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the role of foreign entities in illegal resource extraction.
President Tinubu also emphasized the urgency for UN member states to take concrete actions against companies and individuals involved in illegal arms and mineral smuggling in and out of Africa.
This was as he expressed concerns about the impact of resource pillaging on African nations, calling for international cooperation to end the injustice and eliminate poverty in the continent.
He also emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for business but also questioned the willingness of the world to engage in mutually beneficial economic partnerships with Africa, including direct investments, export opportunities, and debt relief.
Tinubu called on established economies to provide more public and private sector investment in Africa’s preferred climate change projects and initiatives.
He emphasized Africa’s crucial role in the global community and urged the world to view Africa as a partner and an essential key to the world’s future.
