Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, declaring that Nigeria will never compromise its sovereignty under any circumstances, even as it continues to support the global doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), Peak Newspaper reports.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Ibrahim said Nigeria aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect. However, he stressed that the implementation of the R2P doctrine must remain firmly within the provisions of the UN Charter, particularly Articles 2(4) and 2(7), which prohibit the use of force against sovereign states and interference in their internal affairs.
According to the Nigerian envoy, the Responsibility to Protect should only be invoked under clearly defined international circumstances and in strict compliance with the principles and legal framework of the UN Charter.
Ibrahim also highlighted Nigeria’s proactive approach to conflict prevention, noting that the country has strengthened community-based early warning and early response mechanisms. He said these efforts are backed by coordinated action across federal, state and local institutions, as well as regional organisations, to prevent conflicts before they escalate.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and international cooperation while maintaining that respect for national sovereignty remains a fundamental principle of the international system.
