Africa is rich, doesn’t need aid – Jimoh Ibrahim

Africa possesses significant wealth and does not require external aid for its development, according to Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim. Speaking at a reception honoring Ahunna Eziakonwa, a Senior Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General, Ibrahim challenged the notion of Africa as a continent solely reliant on aid.

“

Africa consists of 25 percent of the world population. The future of the world is in Africa. That’s something to talk about.

"Africa consists of 25 percent of the world population. The future of the world is in Africa. That’s something to talk about," Ibrahim stated. He firmly declared his opposition to discussions about aid, asserting, "I will not be part of the people who are talking about aid to Africa. Africa is made up of sovereign nations; we are independent, and we cannot afford to trade our sovereignty for aid."

Instead of aid, Ibrahim stressed the need for "trade, collaboration, cooperation and partnership." He commended former President Donald Trump for promoting "Trade over Aid," a program he believes allows African nations to maintain their sovereignty and independence. Ibrahim reiterated, "I won’t be here to plead for any aid to any African country. We don’t need it. We need collaboration and cooperation and partnership towards human and material development."

“

I will not be part of the people who are talking about aid to Africa. Africa is made up of sovereign nations; we are independent, and we cannot afford to trade our sovereignty for aid.

Furthermore, Ibrahim raised concerns about Africa's lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council. He noted that Africa was excluded from the council's formation in 1945 due to colonization. "Africa doesn’t have a permanent seat, and Africa is about 25 percent of the entire world population," he observed, linking this absence to global security issues. He urged Ms. Eziakonwa to use her advisory role to advocate for Africa's permanent seat(s) on the council.

“

I won’t be here to plead for any aid to any African country. We don’t need it. We need collaboration and cooperation and partnership towards human and material development.

Ibrahim also conveyed President Bola Tinubu's congratulations to Ms. Eziakonwa, expressing pride in her appointment. He mentioned briefing the president about her UN role and discussing Nigeria and Africa's position at the UN.

“

Africa doesn’t have a permanent seat, and Africa is about 25 percent of the entire world population.