Five things to know from Tinubu’s UN General Assembly speech

Key Points from the Speech

1. Partnerships for African Development: President Tinubu emphasized the need for global institutions and other nations to prioritize African development and called for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. He highlighted the importance of direct investment, increased African exports, and meaningful debt relief to facilitate this cooperation.

2. Democratic Governance: The President stressed the importance of democratic governance as the best guarantor of the sovereign will and well-being of the people. He condemned military coups and tilted civilian political arrangements that perpetuate injustice, advocating for a focus on solutions to perennial problems.

3. Combatting Extremism and Human Trafficking: President Tinubu addressed the challenge of violent extremism and human trafficking in the African region, emphasizing the need to improve African economies to prevent people from risking their lives in search of a better life elsewhere. He committed to disbanding extremist groups in Africa and called for stronger international commitment to arrest the flow of arms and violent individuals into West Africa.

4. Mineral Resources and Conflict: The President highlighted the need to secure Africa’s mineral-rich areas from pilfering and conflict. He stressed the importance of working with member nations to deter their firms and nationals from illegally exploiting the continent’s resources and called for a halt to the pillage of Africa’s riches.

5. Climate Change and Environmental Initiatives: President Tinubu acknowledged the severe impacts of climate change on Nigeria and Africa. He emphasized the need for African nations to fight climate change on their terms, promoting economic growth while addressing environmental concerns. He called for investment from established economies to support Africa’s climate change initiatives.