Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria will support a candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General who advances Africa’s interests in global decision-making.
Shettima stated this in New York during a meeting with Costa Rica’s candidate for the UN top job, Rebeca Grynspan, who is seeking Nigeria’s backing for her candidature.
According to a statement by the Vice-President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said Nigeria’s position would be guided by equity, justice, and fairness, as well as a candidate’s commitment to Africa’s aspirations and multilateralism.
He said Nigeria was also interested in conflict prevention, stronger African representation in key international institutions, and reforms to the global governance system.
Shettima said he would recommend Grynspan’s candidature based on Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with Latin America, as well as considerations around gender inclusion and multilateral cooperation.
Grynspan, a former Vice-President of Costa Rica and former UNCTAD Secretary-General, was formally nominated by Costa Rica in March 2026. She has said her campaign is focused on renewing and reforming the UN and strengthening its effectiveness.
She also pledged to give urgent attention to Africa’s demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
The selection process for Guterres’ successor is underway, with the UN listing five formally nominated candidates, including Grynspan. The next Secretary-General will be appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council.
Nigeria, Netherlands deepen financial inclusion talks
In a separate meeting in New York, Shettima and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands agreed to strengthen cooperation on financial inclusion and financial health in Nigeria.
Under the proposed collaboration, the Netherlands will share expertise and experience in areas including insurance, credit guarantees, and data generation.
Shettima said the partnership would particularly benefit women and vulnerable Nigerians, noting that financial inclusion was linked to education, poverty reduction, and economic security.
He highlighted government initiatives, including conditional cash transfers and agricultural programs, as part of efforts to expand financial access.
Queen Máxima, who serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts and pledged continued Dutch support in strengthening financial health and resilience among Nigerians.
