By Damilola Samuel
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to international peace and security, with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), pledging renewed efforts to strengthen the country’s role in global peacekeeping operations.
Musa made the commitment on Tuesday during his participation in the opening session of the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.
He attended the session alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering.
After the opening session, the minister visited the Defence Section of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, where he received a briefing on the country’s military and strategic engagements within the UN system.
The briefing was delivered by Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to the UN, Brigadier General E.A. Koleosho, who updated the minister on the section’s operational responsibilities and activities.
In a press statement issued by Leah Katung Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Musa commended the Defence Section for its work and professionalism.
He specifically praised Koleosho and his team for what he described as their “exemplary professionalism, steadfast loyalty, and commitment” to the principles of the United Nations and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The minister also used the visit to reaffirm the Federal Government’s intention to increase Nigeria’s involvement in international peace and security initiatives.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to restore and expand Nigeria’s presence in global peacekeeping efforts.
Musa stressed that Nigeria’s participation in international peace operations remains an important component of the country’s contribution to maintaining stability and security beyond its borders.
He said the government was committed to “reinvigorating Nigeria’s participation in peacekeeping operations across the globe to promote stability and security.”
Nigeria has historically participated in UN peacekeeping missions in different regions, and the minister’s latest remarks signal the government’s intention to strengthen that role as the country continues its engagement with the international community.
