Nigeria’s Envoy Jimoh Ibrahim Gets New United Nations Role

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Jimoh Ibrahim, has been elected chairman of budget and administration for the UN General Assembly’s Fifth Committee.

His election comes as the global body faces a budget shortfall reportedly exceeding $1.8bn following cuts in foreign aid.

Naija News reports that in his acceptance speech on Tuesday, Ibrahim said the UN must adopt fresh approaches to manage its financial challenges.

“This period requires the United Nations to manage deficit financing arising from converging complexities that place significant burdens on revenue,” he said.

“Given heightened tensions, a prompt, critical, and innovative strategy is required to create opportunities within this intricate environment.”

Ibrahim said he would draw from his experience as a former member of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Budget and Appropriation and chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Relations to build consensus.

He also linked his approach to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda.

“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,” he said.

The former senator thanked the UN for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide strategic leadership and corporate governance in his new role.