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Tag: Tijjani Bande

  • Awosika’s re-election great achievement for Nigeria

    Awosika’s re-election great achievement for Nigeria

    The Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the re-election of Prof. Lawrence Folajimi Awosika as Chairman of UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) was a great achievement for the country.

    The permanent mission, in a statement in New York, said Awosika’s re-election for the fifth term was a great achievement for the mission and Nigeria.

    “It is also a great achievement for the new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Prof.  Tijjani Bande,” the statement read.

    Awosika is a Nigerian Marine Geophysicist and former Director of Marine Geology/Geophysics of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Lagos.

    The Mission pointed out that Awosika had been re-elected for a fifth term in the first round of balloting for another five-year term into the Commission.

    The Commission, which comprises of 21 experts in the fields of Geology, Geophysics or Hydrography, is elected for a term of five years.

    The election of 20 members of the Commission was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York Wednesday evening.

    The 21st member of the Commission will be elected at a later date when the Eastern European Group submits its candidates.

    Awosika was the outgoing Chairman having chaired the Commission in the past five years from 2012 to 2017.

    “The newly elected 20 members of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf shall serve for a term of five years, commencing from July 2017 to June 2022.”

    The CLCS was established following the entry into force of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    Nigeria and over 120 countries in the world have the potential to extend their maritime claim to a maximum of 350 nautical miles.

    Coastal States intending to establish the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of their territorial sea is measured.

    They are required by Article 76 of the Convention to submit the relevant data and information to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

    “It is to be noted that Nigeria made her submission to the Commission in 1997 for an extended continental shelf.

    “The Commission started the consideration of Nigeria’s submission in August 2014 which is still in progress. Nigeria will gain additional maritime space with the submission to the Commission.

    “The extended continental shelf, which contains valuable resources, will enhance Nigeria’s economy,” the permanent mission said.

    According to Article 76 of UNCLOS, the functions of the Commission include to consider the data and other material submitted by coastal States concerning the outer limits of the continental shelf.

    Providing scientific and technical advice to coastal States is also a function of the commission.

    Article 76 guides Coastal States intending to establish the outer limits of its continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.

    Such States are obligated to submit supporting scientific and technical data of submerged prolongation of the land mass of the coastal State, and consist of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise.

    It, however, does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof.

    The Commission shall then consider and analyse the data and make recommendations in writing to the coastal State which made the submission and to the Secretary-General of the UN.

    The limits of the shelf established by a coastal State on the basis of these recommendations shall be final and binding.

    The delineation of the continental shelf of a coastal State is in accordance with article 76 annex II to the Convention and annex II to the Final Act of the Third UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    Such delineation requires a programme for hydrographic, geological, geophysical and geodetic surveying and mapping of the continental margin

     

  • Nigeria 146th to endorse Paris Climate Agreement – UN

    The UN says Nigeria is the 146th country to endorse the Paris Climate Change agreement as the country presented its endorsement on Tuesday.

    Mr Santiago Villalpando, Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN, stated this at the presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement instrument by Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Paris climate change agreement entered into force on Nov. 4, 2016, with 197 parties.

    NAN also reports that by presenting its endorsement to the UN, Nigeria has deposited its instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the depository.

    Villalpando, at the historic event in New York, commended Nigeria for taking the bold decision and for its commitment to implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

    Speaking with NAN after the presentation, Bande said Nigeria had always lived up to its commitment to the UN and other international obligations.

    “This presentation of the Climate Change Endorsement is our living up to our commitment.

    “We have ratified this agreement and President Muhammadu Buhari has signed it and we have deposited the instrument.

    “This is to underline our commitment to the agreement in Paris and this is important for the world.

    “Climate change is really important, there’s no doubt about it and we are glad that we have become the 146th member of the UN to ratify it.

    “So this is good for Nigeria,” the Permanent Representative said.

    He assured the UN and the international community that Nigeria would fulfill its own part of the agreement but called on other countries to live u to their own commitments.

    “We operate within the commitment of the agreement and we also expect others to do the same.

    “It is important and that is why it took a long time to agree to but we have passed it now. It is just to begin to act within the agreement

    “Nigeria has always shown commitment to international obligations, there’s no question about that. Even through our difficult period, we’re still a very reliable member of the international community,” Bande said.

    NAN reports that the presentation of Nigeria’s Climate Change Endorsement was witnessed by the Deputy Ambassador, Samson Itegboje, Mr Alex Ajayi Minister and Mrs Eunice Umezurike, First Secretary.

    Buhari had signed the Paris Agreement on Sept. 22, 2016 on the sidelines of the 71st UN General Assembly, saying it “demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to a global effort to reverse the effects of the negative trend”.

    By signing the agreement, Buhari committed Nigeria to reducing “Green House Gas Emissions unconditionally by 20 per cent and conditionally by 45 per cent” in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions.

    The president had also signed the instrument of ratification of the agreement on March 28, making the country one of those that had ratified the agreement.

  • Nigerians are honourable, hard working people – FG

    Nigerians are honourable, hard working people – FG

    Nigerians are honourable and hard working people who are making remarkable contributions all over the world, the Federal Government said on Monday in New York.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that only a handful of the citizens were deviants.

    Enikanolaiye lauded the giant strides Nigerians have made in all walks of life, commending their ingenuity, loyalty, patriotism and positive spirit wherever they were found.

    The permanent secretary said: “The vast majority of Nigerians abroad are doing very well, bringing honour and glory to our country.

    “However, we have few bad eggs and unfortunately, that’s what gets reported in many instances; so it is a case of ‘one bad apple spoils the barrel.

    “So Nigeria’s image has also suffered from some of the activities of few Nigerians who get involved in all sorts of criminalities abroad but they are very few.

    “Nevertheless, the silent majority of Nigerians are doing very well, doing the country proudly and we are proud of them.

    “So we would continue to work on that strength of Nigeria and Nigerians because it is about perception.

    “This is to make sure that what is being reported out there is positive for our country.”

    He said the Federal Government would continue to work so it could project what was  great and positive about Nigeria and ultimately change negative perceptions about our country.

    Enikanolaiye said Nigeria had always been a reliable and dependable ally on the global stage, particularly at the UN since its independence.

    According to him, the country is fully back on the global stage, particularly with the assumption of duty of its ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

    The permanent secretary described the Nigeria’s UN envoy, and other envoys recently posted to other multilateral organizations as “very distinguished personalities”.

    “Even though the permanent mission has been doing its best in keeping the Nigeria’s flag flying, we believe that Bande’s coming at this time would energize our efforts.

    “This is for us to re-engage more effectively with the UN in a manner that Nigeria’s voice would be better heard in a manner that would show Nigeria’s role as a responsible and active player.”

    Enikanolaiye had earlier addressed the UN Security Council’s open debate on “Women and peace and security: Sexual violence in conflict” where he assured the international community of Federal Government’s commitment to bring back the girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists.

    He had also met with the UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, who he described as “a worthy ambassador of Nigeria” and expressed optimism that she would make Nigeria and Africa proud

  • Nigeria pledges commitment to end global terrorism, inequality

    The Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, on Wednesday, pledged Nigeria’s commitment to address all forms of terrorism and inequality on the global stage.

    Bande made the remarks at a dinner organized in his honour and his Deputy, Samson Itegboje, at the Nigeria House in New York, to formally welcome him into the diplomatic community.

    The new envoy said that “Nigeria is committed to advance the cause of the United Nations to realise the purpose for which it was founded.

    “Beyond this, I want to further pledge the readiness of the Government of Nigeria to work with others to address the urgent issues of terrorism and inequality in the global system”.

    The UN Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner was well attended by members of the diplomatic corps.

    There was a large representation from the Permanent Missions of many African countries, as well those of Canada and India, among others.

    Members of the business community and Nigerians in the diaspora were also present to welcome the new envoy.

    Speaking with NAN, Bande expressed delight at the honour done to Nigeria by the diplomatic community, saying it has affirmed the goodwill the country enjoyed among the comity of nations.

    “We are very glad that virtually all the Missions invited to the dinner attended; mostly the attendance was by the Heads of Missions.

    “And even for those who couldn’t make it, they sent very senior officials who stayed with us and the interactions were extremely cordial.

    “This is proof enough of our importance in the UN system.

    “Which means we have to also strengthen our capacity to play our role in the system and there is no doubt, this is really the focus of the present administration.”

    The Nigerian envoy said that he had hit the ground running since he assumed office last week adding, the Mission has proactively planned his schedules and things are going on well.

    Bande assumed office on May 1 as Nigeria’s new envoy to the UN and presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 3

     

  • Nigeria will take its rightful place at the UN –Amb. Bande

    The Nigeria’s new Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, say his assumption of duty signifies that Nigeria has come to take its rightful place at the global body.

    Bande stated this after the presentation of his credentials to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on Wednesday evening.

    “It’s extremely important that we take our rightful place in the system (UN) here. What’s important is that we have a lot of issues relating to security and peace and development.

    “In terms of the efforts being undertaken in Nigeria, we do need partners to understand what it is that we are doing and in what ways not only can we be assisted but also in what ways we can contribute to the effort globally.

    “Because Boko Haram, for example, is an issue but it is not just a Nigerian issue; it’s a global issue relating to terrorism.

    “There are questions concerning UN reform. These are important issues that are being discussed for decades and there is a new push that this should be done equitably.

    “Nigeria has offered itself to serve in any capacity relating to that new reform of the UN Security Council.

    “So these are extremely important issues – peace and development, conflict matters, the issue of Lake Chad.

    “And what support can be given to revive communities in that region, which includes not only West Africa but Central Africa; lives and livelihood are affected.

    “But it is important that we join the system, offer ourselves for leadership and give support to issues that concern not only Nigeria but also Africa and the world.”

    The Nigeria’s envoy pledged that Nigeria would bring its influence to bear on the UN, particularly on the issues of security and development on the African continent.

    The Permanent Representative also commended the world’s body for its support to Nigeria and Africa over security challenges.

    “The Secretary-General has shown leadership, he has shown commitment to the African region.

    “He supported the highest-powered body to go to the continent to see for themselves the ravaging effects of Boko Haram.

    “There was a renewed commitment by the international community through that effort to support Nigeria and the Lake Chad region to address the Boko Haram challenge.

    “This is because Boko Haram is not Nigeria’s problem; it’s a problem affecting Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon,” Bande said.

    The new Permanent Representative assumed office at the Nigeria’s Permanent Mission on Monday.

    Nigeria’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, Head of Chancery, Dr Cyprian Heen and the Mission’s Spokesperson Akinremi Bolaji were on Bande’s entourage to the UN House.

     

  • Nigeria’s UN Ambassador assumes duty in New York

    Prof. Tijjani Bande, the new Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN, on Monday arrived in New York to assume office at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York reports that Bande was received at a brief reception organised for him by the Permanent Mission.

    The Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, then introduced the members of staff of the Mission to the new Permanent Representative.

    The new Nigeria’s envoy, commended the staff of the Mission for their commitment, saying he looked forward to working with them to lift Nigeria’s flag high at the UN.

    “Nigeria is a very important country. All our missions and agencies should work together,” Bande said.

    The former Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) also pointed out that he was honoured to have served at the Institute, saying “there’s none like it in Africa”.

    “We shouldn’t have some of the challenges that we have; we have great intellectuals who are working hard to address our challenges,” Bande said.

    Itegboje assured the new ambassador of the cooperation of the staff of the Permanent Mission to ensure that he has a successful tenure.

    “We are one family here and we work as one. There’s a lot of work here but I can assure you everybody is ready to work.

    “We will pull forces together to ensure your tenure is successful. Be rest assured that we will all work in harmony to represent and protect the interest of Nigeria.

    “We will do everything to ensure you succeed in this great task,” the Deputy Ambassador assured Bande.

    The new Permanent Representative replaced Prof. Joy Ogwu, who held the position from 2008 to 2015.

    He served as the Director-General of NIPSS until Feb. 25, 2017.

    Bande’s appointment was announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 31.