Tinubu pushes stronger West Africa border security as Nigeria, UN deepen partnership
By: Oluwaseun M. Lawal
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to tighten security across West Africa’s borders. The plan is simple, at least on paper. Work closer with the United Nations and make it much harder for cross-border criminals to move freely.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, revealed the move on Wednesday after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to him, the President has already issued clear directives, asking for immediate engagement with the UN to strengthen border policing across the sub-region.
Ibrahim said the conversation centred on a challenge that has lingered for years — porous borders. They remain one of the biggest weak spots in West Africa’s security architecture, allowing arms trafficking, terrorism and other transnational crimes to thrive.
His next stop, he explained, is the United Nations, where he hopes to push for West Africa to be treated as a priority case for regional border policing. If that happens, he believes international support could come faster. And stronger too.
“The President has given very specific instructions on what should begin immediately,” Ibrahim said, expressing optimism that the UN would back Nigeria’s proposal because strengthening regional security falls within the organisation’s broader peace and stability mandate.
Beyond security, preparations are also underway for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September. Ibrahim confirmed that President Tinubu has accepted the invitation and is expected to address global leaders on the reforms introduced by his administration.
The President is also expected to participate in a number of high-level engagements covering energy, education and healthcare, although officials say his itinerary will be streamlined to focus on key events rather than an overloaded schedule.
Asked whether Tinubu would hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Assembly, Ibrahim chose not to comment. He however noted that the Nigerian leader is expected to have a prominent seating position at the General Assembly and will deliver his speech at a time considered suitable for audiences back home in Nigeria.
Oluwaseun Musa Lawal is an Editor at REPORTERS ROOM with over eight years of professional journalism experience. He specializes in reporting on politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial affairs. His work is driven by a commitment to accuracy, balanced reporting, and public-interest journalism.
