The permanent representative of Nigeria to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, has assured ECOWAS countries that Nigeria will overcome its insurgency challenges.
Mr Ibrahim gave the assurance while hosting ambassadors and permanent representatives of ECOWAS member states at the United Nations at Nigeria House in New York.
“Nigeria will surmount insurgency. We survived a civil war from 1967 to 1970 and fought Boko Haram. We will overcome our problems,” Mr Ibrahim said.
He described the region’s security challenges as “generational grievances” requiring broader solutions beyond military force.
“These are not issues we can resolve with missiles alone. Generational grievances demand wider thinking and deeper engagement,” Mr Ibrahim explained.
According to him, excessive reliance on military operations has slowed the resolution of insurgencies across parts of West Africa.
“Most insurgencies in West Africa persist because we rely mainly on kinetic approaches instead of combining them with non-kinetic solutions,” the politician stated.
Mr Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu was pursuing comprehensive measures to address insecurity while strengthening democratic governance.
“Fortunately, we have a liberal democrat leading a liberal democracy. President Tinubu believes every issue should be discussed before decisions are taken,” Mr Ibrahim noted.
Mr Ibrahim stressed the importance of collaboration among West African nations in addressing security and development challenges.
“Let’s work together. No country can do it alone. Even America still seeks collaboration and partnership,” added the Nigerian envoy.
He urged ECOWAS countries to strengthen consultation and cooperation for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The ambassador said the United Nations itself was founded on cooperation, collective responsibility and international partnership.
Mr Ibrahim also advocated stronger economic integration, including discussions on regional financial institutions and monetary cooperation.
(NAN)
