Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has been elected Chairman of Budget and Administration for the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.
His election comes at a critical period for the global organisation, which is grappling with a budget deficit exceeding $1.8 billion following significant reductions in foreign aid contributions.
Vanguard reported that speaking during his acceptance speech on Tuesday, Ibrahim acknowledged the financial challenges confronting the United Nations and stressed the need for innovative measures to address the situation.
“This period requires the United Nations to manage deficit financing arising from converging complexities that place significant burdens on revenue,” the former senator said.
“Given heightened tensions, a prompt, critical, and innovative strategy is required to create opportunities within this intricate environment.”
Ibrahim stated that he would rely on 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 build consensus and drive effective decision-making within the committee.
The Nigerian diplomat also referenced the economic reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu, saying it would serve as a useful model in shaping administrative and budgetary processes within the United Nations.
“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 appreciation to the United Nations for the confidence reposed in him through his election and pledged his commitment to providing strategic leadership and ensuring sound corporate governance in the discharge of his responsibilities as chairman of the committee.
The Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly is responsible for matters relating to administration and budget, making it one of the organisation’s most important committees, particularly at a time when the UN is facing mounting financial pressures and growing global challenges.
