by Alexander O. Onukwue

The Nigerian delegation at the United Nations General Assembly hopes to reaffirm its “commitment to global peace, security and development and where necessary, the need for increased international cooperation in the fight against corruption”.

President Buhari is in New York with all of his cabinet members and the subject of continuing insecurity in various parts of the country is expected to feature in the President’s statement to the world body, comprising 193 member nations. Boko Haram in the North East has killed over 200 persons in 2017 alone, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region and increasing the burden of internal displacement.

The sect continues to prove formidable in the possession of weapons and ammunition, almost matching the equipment of the Nigerian Army. Some countries have been mentioned for being affiliated with terrorism this year, the prominent one being between the accusation by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain against Qatar as being sponsors of terrorism. The Qatari firmly deny this, but it has not stopped the Saudis from seeking means to mount blockades to Qatari services being offered in Saudi Arabia. This United Nations General Assembly meeting will be the first gathering of world leaders since the development began. Qatar has the backing of Iran and Turkey, as well as the establishment of the United States Military even though President Trump has appeared to back Saudi Arabia. How will Nigeria incline in these interests in the Arab region?

To accelerate the defeat of Boko Haram, Nigeria will be in need of stronger partnerships with relevant member nations who will provide greater intelligence to the country’s army on the workings of the networks of terrorist organisations. The high-level meeting of the African Union themed on the “Roadmap of Demographic Dividend” should involve meaningful engagements on combating regional terrorism. Nigeria’s neighbouring countries Chad, Niger and Cameroon, have been crucial in manoeuvres against Boko Haram and every avenue to increase that cooperation should be advocated and explored.