Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has been elected as chairman of the budget and administration committee of the UN General Assembly's fifth committee. The election comes as the United Nations faces a budget shortfall exceeding $1.8 billion, exacerbated by cuts to foreign aid.
Acceptance Speech Highlights
In his acceptance speech delivered on Tuesday, the former Nigerian senator emphasized the need for innovative financial management. 'This period requires the United Nations to manage deficit financing arising from converging complexities that place significant burdens on revenue,' he stated. 'Given heightened tensions, a prompt, critical, and innovative strategy is required to create opportunities within this intricate environment.'
Drawing on Experience
Ibrahim noted that he would leverage his experience as a former member of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Budget and Appropriation, as well as his role as chairman of inter-parliamentary relations, to forge consensus among member states. He also referenced President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms in Nigeria as a potential blueprint for restructuring the multilateral institution.
'Mr President, as your student in the reforms class, be assured that those teaching slides will reflect in the budget, appropriations and human resources of the United Nations,' Ibrahim said in a statement. He expressed gratitude to the UN and pledged his commitment to providing strategic direction and upholding corporate governance.
