President Muhammadu Buhari spoke on a long list of critical issues on Friday, 24 September, as he addressed world leaders at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He addresed the world leaders after President Nicos Anastasiades of Cyprus at the General Debate of the session at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States, Channels TV reports.
The theme for this year’s UNGA is, ‘Building Resilience Through Hope To Recover from COVID-19, Rebuild Sustainably, Respond to the Needs of the Planet, Respect the Rights of People and Revitalise the United Nations’.
President Buhari spoke on the following issues below:
1 Covid-19: The president thanked the world leaders for their assistance since the outbreak of Covid-19, he spoke on the COVAX initiative and how much Nigeria has benefitted from it.
2 Security: The president raised concerns over illicit trade, transfer, and circulation of small arms and light weapons.
3 Terrorism: Buhari spoke about the Boko Haram terrorist group, saying though they were still active and preying on soft targets but they have been weakened by the Nigerian defence forces.
4 Corruption: on this aspect, The president spoke on corruption across national borders has and its hugely negative impact on the stability, peace, and economic prospects of millions, particularly in developing countries.
5 Debt: The president called for debt cancellation for developing countries, as they have been faced with hard times from the Covid-19 pandemic.
6 International trade: President Buhari called for a fair and equitable system of international trade.
7 Global food system: The president assured that the government of Nigeria remains determined to improve the productivity and incomes of small-scale farmers by promoting equal access to land, technology and markets, sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.
8 Human rights: President Buhari said Nigeria has been steadfast in safeguarding human rights, including the advancement of women, the protection of children, the protection of the rights of people living with disabilities, the treatment of migrants, refugees, returnees, and displaced persons.
9 Fairness and equity in respect of the Palestinian people: The president encouraged Israel and Palestine to re-engage in dialogue based on relevant UN resolutions and Initiatives.
10 Multilateral system: The president states that it is a pre-eminent body for solving current and emerging challenges in the world.
11 In conclusion President Buhari gave a special tribute to Chancellor Angela Merkel of the Federal Republic of Germany.
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