By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations and the principles of the UN Charter, pledging continued support for the organisation amid changing global strategic priorities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance on Tuesday, September 2, 2026, when the UN 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 UN system, while commending the organisation for its sustained support to Nigeria through its agencies, funds and programmes.
The minister described the United Nations as a strategic partner in humanitarian action, development cooperation and peacebuilding, particularly for its interventions in vulnerable and difficult-to-reach communities in 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,” he said.
“We are always pleased to engage with the UN because your work supports our people and contributes to Nigeria’s success. I wish to pledge our total support for the United Nations.”
The minister, however, called for innovative approaches to address the challenge of dwindling resources for humanitarian and development programmes.
He advocated stronger partnerships with the private sector and the exploration of alternative funding mechanisms to ensure sustainable development and effective humanitarian responses.
Earlier, Fall, who is expected to conclude his assignment in Nigeria later this year, described the country as his second home after nearly a decade of service.
He previously served in Nigeria with UNICEF before taking up his current role as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Fall commended Nigeria for its longstanding contributions to the United Nations, describing the country as not only a committed member of the organisation but also a force in advancing its ideals.
He particularly highlighted Nigeria’s historic contribution to regional peacekeeping 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 underscored the continued importance of Nigeria-UN cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges, advancing development and strengthening peace and security.
