Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, says the country is positioning itself to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council next year, following its recent diplomatic success at the UN.
Ibrahim made the remarks after Nigeria’s candidate, Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, was elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on Friday.
The envoy described the CEDAW victory as a sign of Nigeria’s renewed influence within the United Nations system, noting that it reflects the country’s growing engagement in global governance.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca Ojukwu, and Nigerian women for the achievement.
According to him, the election reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening its international presence.
Ibrahim said Nigeria had recorded three major international wins since he assumed office at the UN.
He listed them as the election of Prof. Femi Elias to the International Law Commission, the re-election of Eghobamien-Mshelia to CEDAW, and his own emergence as Chair of a UN Budget Committee.
He also welcomed the appointment of Mrs Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Africa.
“These achievements demonstrate Nigeria’s growing diplomatic credibility,” he said.
The ambassador stated that Nigeria’s diplomatic momentum would be sustained, adding that securing a UN Security Council seat remains a key priority.
He said President Tinubu had given him a clear mandate to push Nigeria’s candidacy at the global level.
“The election of Nigeria into the Security Council next year will be my biggest gift to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians,” he said.
Speaking on her election, Eghobamien-Mshelia expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for her nomination and support during the campaign.
She said Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN played a key role in securing broad African backing despite strong competition.
She pledged to promote inclusive digital governance and strengthen protections for women globally during her new term.
NAN reports that the election saw 20 candidates contesting 12 available seats, with Africa fielding 10 candidates.
Nigeria, Egypt and Uganda emerged successful among African contenders, with Nigeria securing 123 votes in the competitive process.
The CEDAW Committee is a United Nations body responsible for monitoring implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and promoting global gender equality.
