Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Jimoh Ibrahim, has been elected Chairman of the Fifth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, the body responsible for the organisation’s budget, administration and human resources.
Speaking shortly after his election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Ambassador Ibrahim described the development as a great honour and responsibility, pledging to provide effective leadership in navigating the committee through the complex financial and administrative challenges facing the United Nations.
In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to member states for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work closely with delegates to build consensus on critical budgetary and administrative matters affecting the global body.
The newly elected chairman noted that the United Nations is currently undergoing significant reforms under the UN80 initiative aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining operations amid growing financial pressures, including a budget shortfall estimated at over $1.8 billion.
According to him, rising geopolitical tensions, economic difficulties, poverty and governance challenges require innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure the sustainability of the organisation and the effective implementation of its mandate.
Drawing from his experience as a member of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Appropriations and Budget as well as Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Relations, Ibrahim said he would leverage his legislative and diplomatic experience to promote consensus among the 193 member states represented in the committee.
The ambassador also used the occasion to express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and mentorship.
“Mr President, as your student in the reforms class, be assured that those teaching slides will reflect in the budget, appropriations and human resources of the United Nations,” he said.
He further thanked the people of Nigeria for what he described as a historic achievement, assuring member states that he would provide strategic leadership during a challenging period in global affairs.
“I assure my colleagues from the 193 member states that at this challenging time in history, it is my responsibility to provide strategy in chaotic situations,” Ibrahim stated.
The Fifth Committee is one of the main committees of the United Nations General Assembly and plays a central role in overseeing the organisation’s finances, administrative policies and personnel matters. Ibrahim’s election marks a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria at the global body.