Nigeria has restated its unwavering support for a two-state solution as the only sustainable path to resolving the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, insisting that mutual autonomy remains essential for peace and stability in the region.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar, made this known at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) held in Abuja. He was represented by the Director of Protocol, Ambassador Wahab Akande.
Ambassador Umar emphasized that Nigeria stands firmly with the global consensus that peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine can only be achieved through the creation of two sovereign states. “Nigeria, like the rest of the world, believes that a two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace for Israel and Palestine, where both nations can live side by side in peace and prosperity,” he said.
He noted that extremism and division can only be defeated through adherence to the rule of law and multilateral cooperation, stressing that “our collective experience shows that peace, reconciliation, and shared humanity are the true victories of civilization.”
Speaking on global governance reforms, Ambassador Umar reiterated Nigeria’s demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, describing it as a call for fairness and equitable continental representation. “When the UN was founded, Nigeria was a colony of 20 million people absent from global decision-making tables. Today, as a sovereign nation of over 200 million, we are a stabilising force in regional security and a consistent partner in global peacekeeping. Our demand for reform is a demand for credibility and fairness,” he said.
He expressed Nigeria’s support for the UN80 Initiative of the Secretary-General, which seeks to reform the UN system for greater efficiency and effectiveness amid global challenges, and highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy and economic growth.
Ambassador Umar also called for urgent international action to promote debt relief, support African trade, and strengthen the global financial system, noting that such reforms would unlock peace and prosperity for developing nations.
In his remarks, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, commended Nigeria’s consistent role in promoting peace and multilateral cooperation.
He described the 80th anniversary theme, “Building Our Future Together,” as a call to action, urging all nations to recommit to collective progress. “Our future will not be built by chance but by choice. Since 1960, Nigeria has been a pillar of multilateralism and a steadfast voice for peace,” Fall stated.
He called on all member states to strengthen multilateralism and ensure it works “for peace, for the planet, for people, and for prosperity.”
