VP Says Grynspan’s Candidature Will Be Considered Alongside Gender Inclusion, Multilateralism and Nigeria’s Ties With Latin America
Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will support candidates for the position of United Nations Secretary-General based on equity, justice and fairness.
Shettima stated this during a meeting with Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan in New York shortly before returning to Nigeria.
He said Nigeria would consider candidates who support Africa’s aspirations, particularly its push for greater representation in global decision-making institutions and the promotion of multilateralism.
Shettima said he would recommend Grynspan’s candidature, citing Nigeria’s relationship with Latin America, gender inclusion and other considerations.
He also called for reforms to the global governance system, saying the international architecture established in 1945 has not adequately reflected Africa’s population and role in global affairs.
Grynspan, who sought Nigeria’s support for her candidature, said she was prepared to lead reforms being advocated by countries in the Global South.
She said her agenda would prioritise peace and give attention to Africa’s aspiration for permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
Nigeria, Netherlands Agree to Deepen Financial Inclusion
Meanwhile, Nigeria and the Netherlands have agreed to strengthen cooperation on financial inclusion, particularly for women and vulnerable groups.
The agreement was reached during Shettima’s bilateral meeting with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in New York.
Shettima welcomed the Netherlands’ offer to share expertise in financial health, saying greater financial inclusion could contribute to education, security and poverty reduction.
He cited conditional cash transfers and agricultural programmes among government initiatives aimed at expanding financial inclusion.
Queen Máxima, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, pledged continued Dutch support through expertise in insurance, credit guarantees and data generation.
She said improving financial health could strengthen citizens’ resilience, protect investments and expand access to insurance.
Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele also said recent reforms, including measures announced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, were expected to improve access to credit and reduce its cost.