Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the United Nations and the principles of the UN Charter, while calling for innovative funding mechanisms to sustain global development and humanitarian interventions.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, when the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye welcomed what he described as a shift in strategic thinking within the United Nations system, commending the organisation for its sustained support to Nigeria through its agencies, funds and programmes.
The Minister described the UN as a strategic partner in humanitarian action, development cooperation and peacebuilding, particularly for its interventions in difficult and vulnerable communities across Nigeria and other parts of the world.
“For us as a country, we value our relationship with the United Nations. We participate actively in the maintenance of international peace and security and in advancing the other purposes for which the UN was established,” Enikanolaiye said.
He added that Nigeria would continue to engage with the UN, noting that its interventions support Nigerians and contribute to the country’s development.
“I wish to pledge our total support for the United Nations,” the Minister stated.
Addressing the challenge of dwindling resources confronting international development and humanitarian operations, Enikanolaiye called for innovative approaches to funding, including stronger partnerships with the private sector.
He said alternative funding mechanisms were necessary to ensure the sustainability of development programmes and humanitarian responses, particularly at a time of increasing global needs and limited resources.
Earlier, Fall, who is expected to conclude his assignment in Nigeria later this year, described Nigeria as his “second home” after nearly a decade of service in the country.
He served first with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) before taking up his current role as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Fall commended Nigeria for its enduring contributions to the United Nations, describing the country not only as a committed member of the Organisation but also as a strong advocate of its ideals.
He recalled Nigeria’s historic role in regional peacekeeping, particularly through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), describing it as evidence of Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and security in West Africa and beyond.
The meeting further underscored the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the United Nations on humanitarian assistance, development, peacebuilding and international cooperation.
