New York, NY – UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has called on the Nigerian government to lend its support to the successful implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), focusing on promoting peace and inclusive institutions. The appeal was made during a visit by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Adamu Lamuwa, and Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office (CMO) at the Head of Service, to the UN headquarters in New York.
Highlighting the significance of capacity building, Mohammed emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions for the achievement of broader development goals. She stated, ‘We are asking for support for SDG Goal 16 on institutions because if they are not strengthened, it will be difficult to achieve the development goals.’
Acknowledging Nigeria’s leadership role, Mohammed informed her guests that Nigeria had been at the forefront of the African group advocating for an equitable and fair international tax system, aligning with the SDGs. She disclosed that Nigeria, during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), presented a historic resolution that laid the groundwork for a new universal system of international tax cooperation.
The resolution, titled ‘Promotion of Inclusive and Effective International Tax Cooperation at the United Nations,’ received support from member states. Nigeria’s proposal marked the first time member states agreed to establish a convention on tax cooperation and to annually discuss global tax issues and review progress.
Commending Nigeria’s efforts, Mohammed highlighted the influential role of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, in advancing the tax resolution. She expressed appreciation for his leadership qualities, stating, ‘Bande has gained a lot of respect here at the UN. The President of the General Assembly acknowledged his sound leadership qualities.’
Mohammed also urged Nigeria to align its foreign policy with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his contributions to the African Union and global politics.
In response, Amb. Lamuwa expressed gratitude for the Deputy Secretary-General’s reception and the productive discussion on enhancing Nigeria’s global role. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving SDGs, particularly goal 16, and reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to advancing Africa’s interests in the UN Security Council and shaping international tax policy.”
