Vice President Kashim Shettima has told world leaders that sustainable development cannot be achieved without security, warning that terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance continue to exploit weaknesses in national responses. Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, made……
Vice President Kashim Shettima has told world leaders that sustainable development cannot be achieved without security, warning that terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance continue to exploit weaknesses in national responses.
Shettima, who is representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, made the remarks while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the General Debate on Thursday.
The Vice President said threats that extend beyond national borders require stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing and institutional capacity to effectively confront them.
“Mr President, no nation, however formidable its defenses can secure itself completely against dangers sustained beyond its borders,” Shettima said.
“Terrorism, organized crime, cyber attacks and illicit finance exploit the gaps between our national responses, drawing strengths from the divisions that weaken collective action.”
He said Nigeria’s prolonged battle against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups had demonstrated that military operations alone could not provide lasting security without addressing the conditions that enable instability.
“Nigeria’s prolonged struggle against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other harmed groups has taught us that military victories require enduring foundations in education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and communities whose rights and dignity are protected,” he said.
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Shettima stressed the connection between security and development, saying persistent violence disrupts livelihoods while injustice and exclusion could contribute to continued insecurity.
“Development cannot take root while violence repeatedly uproot livelihood and peace cannot endure while injustice and exclusion replenish the ranks of those who threaten it,” the Vice President said.
He called for stronger international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges, including intelligence sharing, institutional strengthening, disrupting the financing of violence and preventing the movement of illicit weapons across borders.
“Our common security therefor demands corporation equal to the reach of the threat before us, we must exchange intelligence, strengthen institutional capacity, interrupt the financing of violence and prevent weapons from crossing borders that are responses too often failed to cross,” he said.
Shettima also pointed to insecurity in the Sahel as an example of how instability in one country or territory can affect neighbouring countries and wider regional development.
“The tumor in the Sahel, illustrates how insecurity in one territory can imperil its neighbors, displace populations and frustrate commerce regional integration and democratic governance,” he said.
Nigeria’s participation at UNGA81 is being anchored on issues including peace and security, sustainable development, reform of global institutions and stronger representation for developing countries in international decision-making.
