Vice President Kashim Shettima has indicated that
Nigeria will support Costa Rican candidate Rebeca Grynspan in the race for the
next United Nations Secretary-General, citing Nigeria’s relationship with Latin
America, gender inclusion and other diplomatic considerations.
Shettima made the position known during a meeting with
Grynspan in New York shortly before returning to Nigeria from the 81st United
Nations General Assembly. The meeting was disclosed in a statement by his media
aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President said Nigeria’s position would also
be guided by support for Africa’s aspirations in global affairs, including
greater representation in key international decision-making institutions and
the strengthening of multilateralism.
According to Shettima, Nigeria and Costa Rica share
historical ties and maintain cordial relations with Latin America, while both
countries have interests in conflict prevention, peace and multilateral
cooperation.
He said these considerations informed his decision to
recommend Grynspan’s candidacy.
Shettima also called for reforms to the global
governance system, arguing that the structure established in 1945 has not
adequately reflected Africa’s demographic and geopolitical importance in 2026.
Nigeria has consistently pushed for reforms of the UN
Security Council, including permanent African representation. At the 81st UN
General Assembly, the country reiterated its demand for at least two permanent
African seats with full privileges, including veto rights for as long as the
veto remains, as well as additional non-permanent seats.
Grynspan, who sought Nigeria’s backing for her
candidacy, said she was prepared to pursue reforms within the United Nations
and promote the interests of countries in the Global South.
She also pledged to prioritise peace and said Africa’s
aspiration for permanent representation on the UN Security Council would
receive attention under her leadership.
Nigeria, Netherlands Discuss Financial
Inclusion
Meanwhile, Shettima also held a bilateral meeting with
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in New York, where both sides discussed deeper
cooperation on financial inclusion and financial health in Nigeria.
The Vice President welcomed the Netherlands’
willingness to share expertise and experience in areas including financial
services for women and vulnerable groups.
He linked financial inclusion to broader issues such
as education, security and poverty reduction, while highlighting government
programmes including conditional cash transfers and initiatives in the
agricultural sector.
Shettima also pointed to the role of Nigerian fintech
companies in expanding access to financial services for underserved
populations.
Queen Máxima, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s
Special Advocate for Financial Health, expressed support for efforts to
strengthen financial inclusion and financial resilience among Nigerians.
She said the Netherlands was willing to share
expertise in areas including insurance, credit guarantees and data generation,
while encouraging private-sector organisations to place greater emphasis on the
financial wellbeing of their customers.
The discussions formed part of Shettima’s engagements
in New York during the 81st UN General Assembly, where Nigeria also renewed its
call for reforms to global institutions and stronger African representation in
international decision-making.
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