By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the country at this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where the central focus was climate finance, debt relief, food security, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For Africa’s largest economy, the outcomes of the gathering carry direct significance.
Climate Finance and Nigeria’s Vulnerability
Nigeria has faced some of the worst effects of climate change from deadly floods in the south to creeping desertification in the north. At UNGA, Nigeria joined other African nations in demanding that developed countries meet commitments on adaptation finance and operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund.
For Nigeria, access to climate funds could mean billions of dollars in financing for flood defenses, drought-resistant agriculture, and renewable energy. Yet, with delays in delivery, many citizens remain at risk of displacement and hunger.
SDGs and Food Security
With over 30 million Nigerians projected to face food insecurity in 2025, the government has been pressing for support to accelerate SDG progress. At UNGA, Nigeria underscored the urgent need for investments in agriculture, nutrition, and social protection systems.
The U.S. recently pledged $32.5 million in humanitarian aid for Nigeria to address hunger a short-term relief, but far from enough to address structural issues in food production and distribution.
Debt, Economy, and Global Finance
Nigeria’s debt burden continues to weigh heavily on the budget, with debt service consuming a large share of revenue. At UNGA, Nigerian officials supported calls for debt restructuring and fairer lending frameworks, aligning with broader African demands for reform of the World Bank and IMF.
Such reforms could free up resources for education, health, and infrastructure areas critical to Nigeria’s growing but strained population.
Energy Transition and Opportunity
Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer, but the government has been pursuing renewable energy to expand access. The UN-Energy Plan’s focus on electricity and clean cooking access aligns with Nigeria’s own Energy Transition Plan, which aims to lift millions out of energy poverty.
At UNGA, Nigeria emphasized the need for funding and technology transfer to support its transition while still managing oil sector realities.
Security and Development
Security challenges, from insurgency in the northeast to banditry in the northwest, were also highlighted as part of Nigeria’s message at UNGA. Officials stressed that peace and development must go hand-in-hand, calling for stronger global partnerships to combat terrorism, illicit financial flows, and arms trafficking.
Outlook for Nigeria
While UNGA 2025 reaffirmed global commitments, the test lies in delivery. For Nigeria, success will be measured by whether climate funds reach vulnerable communities, whether debt relief materializes, and whether energy transition financing supports real projects on the ground.
As Vice President Shettima put it in New York: “Nigeria is ready to play its part, but the world must also honor its commitments. Development cannot wait.”
