Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for urgent relief measures to combat the severe impacts of climate change.
His Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed in a statement that the Vice President made this appeal during a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday.
In their discussions, Mr Shettima and Mr Guterres addressed key concerns including regional security, humanitarian relief, and Nigeria’s contributions to global cooperation.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, Mr Shettima was received by UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, with whom he held a brief meeting following his discussions with Mr. Guterres.
The Vice President lauded the UN’s efforts but urged for heightened support in stabilizing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and executing long-term, coordinated relief strategies for flood victims across Nigeria.
He underscored the urgent need for aid, particularly in Borno State, which has been severely affected by climate-induced flooding.
Expressing deep concern over the devastating toll of floods and other climate-related disasters on Nigerians, Mr Shettima stressed the necessity of enhancing relief efforts.
He also called for stronger international cooperation to address environmental threats and climate change, which are posing increasingly dire challenges to the nation.
The Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability, climate resilience, and international leadership.
In response, Secretary-General Guterres expressed condolences for Nigeria’s recent losses and pledged increased UN support.
He commended President Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing Nigeria’s crucial role in the UN’s vision for a peaceful Africa.
