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Sola Shittu
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has been elected Chairman of the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, the powerful body responsible for overseeing the organisation’s budget, administration and human resources management.
His election places Nigeria at the helm of one of the UN’s most influential committees at a time when the global body is grappling with financial constraints and implementing major institutional reforms.
Speaking after his election by member states, Ambassador Ibrahim described the appointment as a profound honour and a responsibility that comes at a critical moment for the United Nations.
He noted that the Fifth Committee plays a central role in ensuring the effective functioning of the organisation through its oversight of financial and administrative matters affecting the UN system.
The Nigerian envoy expressed appreciation to member states for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work closely with the Committee’s Bureau, regional groups and the UN Secretariat to ensure efficient management of its extensive agenda.
Ibrahim assumes leadership of the Committee as the United Nations pursues its UN80 reform programme, an initiative aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waste and strengthening institutional performance across the organisation.
The new chairman acknowledged the financial challenges confronting the UN, including a budget deficit estimated at more than $1.8 billion, and reiterated the need for member states to meet their assessed financial obligations promptly to sustain the organisation’s operations.
He also pointed to rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and governance challenges across the world, stressing the importance of consensus-building and innovative solutions in addressing complex global issues.
Drawing from his legislative experience as a member of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Budget and Appropriations and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Ibrahim said he would leverage his background to foster cooperation and build broad-based support among the UN’s 193 member states.
According to him, responsible financial management, transparency and people-centred budgeting would remain central to his leadership of the Committee.
The Nigerian diplomat further pledged to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening the United Nations and enhancing its capacity to respond effectively to emerging global challenges.
Following his election, Ibrahim expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and encouragement, saying he would bring the same reform-minded approach championed by the Nigerian leader to his stewardship of the Committee.
He also thanked Nigerians for their support, describing his emergence as a significant achievement for the country on the international stage.
The Fifth Committee, which comprises all 193 UN member states, is the General Assembly’s principal body for considering and approving budgetary, administrative and personnel matters, making it one of the most strategic organs within the United Nations system.
