Nigeria Supports Fairness in UN Secretary-General Election, Says Vice President Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria will advocate for fairness and justice in the upcoming election for the Secretary-General of the United Nations. He made these remarks during a meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, a candidate from Costa Rica, just before returning to Nigeria from New York.

Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s support for candidates who align with Africa’s goals in global matters, especially regarding representation in important decision-making groups and promoting cooperation among countries. He expressed his intention to endorse Grynspan’s candidacy, highlighting Nigeria’s strong ties with Latin America and the importance of gender inclusion.

During the meeting, Shettima noted the historical connection between Nigeria and Costa Rica and reiterated Nigeria’s interest in peace and conflict prevention. He also pointed out the need for reforms in global governance, which he believes has not adequately integrated Africa, home to over 1.3 billion people.

Grynspan shared her vision for leading the UN, focusing on reforms that reflect the needs of countries in the Global South. She expressed her commitment to addressing Africa’s aspirations, including its desire for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.

In a separate discussion, Nigeria and the Netherlands agreed to enhance cooperation on financial inclusion. This partnership aims to improve access to financial services for various groups in Nigeria, particularly women and vulnerable populations. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Shettima and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

Shettima welcomed the Netherlands’ support, noting its relevance to education, security, and poverty reduction. He mentioned ongoing government initiatives, such as cash transfer programs and agricultural support, that are already showing positive results.

Queen Máxima, who is also a UN advocate for financial health, praised Nigeria’s economic growth and efforts to boost financial inclusion. She committed to sharing the Netherlands’ expertise in areas like insurance and credit to help improve financial health for Nigerians.