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Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

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Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

Call for Increase in Members of Security Council

By: Michael Mike

Nordic countries have agreed to support Nigeria’s demand for the reform of the United Nations.

The Nordic countries: Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden gave the promise on Tuesday in Abuja during the visit of their foreign affairs ministers to Nigeria.

The countries said it was important to address Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council.

The foreign affairs ministers from the five countries are in Nigeria on a joint visit, the first of its kind outside of Europe.

The visiting Nordic delegation consists of Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ms Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary for International Development, Norway and Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark

Speaking during a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden described Nigeria as a prominent actor both in Africa and globally.

Billström, while commending Nigeria’s efforts towards promoting peace and forging international cooperation, said: “Our engagement in Africa has been guided by solidarity and long-term equal opportunities. The diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries date back more than 60 years, half a century. And Nigeria is also one of our largest trading partners on the African continent.

“And the recurring business forum Nordic-Nigeria Connect, hosted in Lagos last year is an important venue for further boosting trade and investments between our countries. The role and importance of African countries in international politics is greater than ever.

“Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage, and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.

“We highly appreciate the Nigerian President’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within ECOWAS, and supporting ongoing efforts to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations.

“The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 is a welcome step in this direction. At the same time, it is important to recognize and address Africa’s under-representation in the Security Council.

“And to this end, the Nordic supports the extension and expansion of the Council in both the permanent and two-year term elected categories. Just like Nigeria, the five Nordic countries are firmly committed to standing up for the international rules-based order, democracy, and human rights.

“These values are now under attack, notably through Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine which threatens not only peace and security, but the very principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“And we acknowledge and welcome Nigeria’s clear stance in the UN General Assembly on this matter, in defence of international law and the UN Charter, as well as leading the way for many other countries.

“Excellency, this visit is of particular importance to us. Nigeria and the Nordics are key partners in an array of areas, not only global and regional security, but also trade and investment, promoting human rights and democracy, as well as combating climate change.”

Corroborating the Swedish Minister words, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, said the visit is for dialogue and deep discussions; stressing that: “We share fundamental values, and we believe in the rule-based order and as well that the African continent needs to be represented stronger and better in the multilateral system, which is a system that we believe in and we truly need to continue.”

On her part, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, said “This visit of the Nordic group is a reflection of the increased importance that we attach to engaging more with Nigeria, and I look very much forward to the conversation and the increased dialogue with you.”

Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen,, said the visit was meant “to further strengthen our partnership and deepen our friendship.”

The State Secretary for International Development, Norway, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, said: “We’ll be able to talk a bit more, I think, about the strong focus that the Nordic countries have on democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

“And we also welcome the very close collaboration between our countries on these issues, including in multilateral forums, as has been – has been mentioned.”

In his response, Tuggar said that Nigeria and the Nordic countries share the same democratic ideals.

The Minister while welcoming the support of the Nordic countries for the reform of the United Nations organs, said: “We also aspire to the same democratic ideals, and I’m happy that you mentioned your support to see a reform of the United Nations Security Council, permanent members, and, of course, our aspiration to become not only a permanent member, but then also, you know, maybe closer.

“We’re looking at membership in the United Nations Security Council. And, of course, this aspiration for democratising the global governing institutions of the planet goes beyond the United Nations.

“That’s why we’re also aspiring to become a member of the G7 important bodies.”
He also commended the Nordic countries for their efforts towards ensuring peace and security in the Lake Chad region.”

He added that: “And, of course, the good work that all the countries have been doing in the Lake Chad region is something that is not unnoticed by Nigeria, and it’s something that we really appreciate and that we treasure.

“We’re looking to engage, to learn so much from all the countries, because the Nordic region is one that excels in terms of the circular economy. This is something that we feel we can do a lot together.

Nordic Countries Agree to Reform of UN

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Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

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Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

By: Ambassador Yu Dunhai

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly recently concluded successfully. This was a session of special significance, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the global anti-fascist war and the establishment of the United Nations.

Over the past 80 years, the UN has become the most universal, representative and authoritative intergovernmental international organization, with the UN-centered international system widely supported by the international community.

Eighty years ago, defeated Japan returned Taiwan to China, which was an indisputable outcome of the global anti-fascist war and a crucial part of the post-war international order. Currently, the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities stubbornly adopt a separatist policy seeking “Taiwan independence” , while a small number of countries claim that China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established, openly challenging the authority of the UN and the post-war international order. To clarify the facts and set the record straight, I feel obligated to address several common fallacies on the Taiwan Question.

Fallacy 1: “The two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other.”
Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times, with clear historical and legal foundations. Numerous historical records and documents detail the early development of Taiwan by the Chinese people.

As early as the 12th century, the Chinese government established administrative institutions and exercised jurisdiction in Taiwan. In 1895, Japan forced the Qing government to cede Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan through war. In 1943, the Cairo Declaration issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom stipulated that all the territories seized by Japan including Taiwan must be returned to China.

In 1945, the Potsdam Proclamation issued by China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union reaffirmed that the terms of the Cairo Declaration must be implemented. In August of that year, Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and signed the Instrument of Surrender in September, pledging to “faithfully fulfill the obligations laid down in the Potsdam Proclamation.”

Through a series of internationally legally binding documents, China recovered Taiwan both legally and in fact. Although the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have not yet achieved complete reunification, the fact that both the mainland of China and Taiwan belong to one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China has never changed and cannot be changed. This is the true status quo of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has never been a country, nor will it ever be in the future.

Fallacy 2: “China’s sovereignty over Taiwan has not been established.”

Shortly after the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan in 1945, the Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek launched a civil war. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people won the civil war, ultimately overthrowing the “Republic of China” government led by Chiang Kai-shek. Some members of the Nationalist regime retreated to Taiwan, and with interference from external forces, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait entered a prolonged state of political confrontation.

On October 1, 1949, the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was established, and the PRC government became the sole legitimate government of China. This was a change of government within the same international legal entity of China, with no change to China’s sovereignty or inherent territory. The PRC government naturally enjoys and exercises China’s sovereignty in full, including sovereignty over Taiwan.
Fallacy 3: “UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not establish the One-China principle.”

Resolution 2758 fully embodies the One-China principle. On August 20, 1971, before the resolution was put to a vote, the Chinese government issued a statement emphasizing: “There are not two Chinas in the world; there is only one China, the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and a province of China, which was returned to the motherland at the end of World War II. This is an indisputable fact.”

On October 25, 1971, the 26th session of the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, which decided to “restore all the rights of the People’s Republic of China, recognize the representatives of its government as the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations, and expel forthwith the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy at the United Nations and in all the organizations related to it.”

Resolution 2758 politically affirmed and consolidated the One-China principle: there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is a part of China, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Following the resolution’s adoption, UN official documents consistently refer to Taiwan as “Taiwan, Province of China.” These facts are indisputable and unchallengeable.
Fallacy 4: “UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not determine Taiwan’s status.”

Resolution 2758 and the One-China principle that the Resolution embodies impose universal binding force on all subjects of the international community through the UN Charter, bilateral diplomatic treaties, and fundamental principles of international law.
In diplomatic practice, the resolution’s authority is reflected in the correct Taiwan-related positions, policies, and actions of the UN General Assembly, UN specialized agencies and many UN member states.

These collectively form an important international legal and moral foundation for handling Taiwan-related questions. The One-China principle, framework, consensus and related institutional arrangements supported by the resolution have become principles and common knowledge followed by all countries, as well as a solemn commitment by countries with diplomatic relations to respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The claim by a few countries that “Taiwan’s status is undetermined” challenges the authority of the UN, defies the post-war international order, and is an absurd and dangerous attempt to reverse history.
Fallacy 5: “Now is the time for the UN to recognize Taiwan.”

According to Resolution 2758, China’s representation in the UN naturally includes Taiwan as part of the whole of China. This is entirely consistent with the international legal principle that “one sovereign state can only be represented by one central government.” There is only one seat for China in the UN, and the PRC government is the sole legitimate representative of China in the UN. There is no issue of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”

The Taiwan authorities have repeatedly pushed for farcical attempts to achieve “meaningful participation” or “re-entry” into the UN, trying to challenge the authority of Resolution 2758, but all ended up in failure.

Resolution 2758 clarifies that “China” in the UN Charter refers to the People’s Republic of China, imposing an obligation on all UN member states to avoid raising the so-called issue of Taiwan’s representation in the UN system. Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to participate in the UN or other international organizations exclusive to sovereign states. On this matter of principle, there is no gray area or room for ambiguity.

The One-China principle has become an international consensus, with 183 countries including Nigeria, establishing diplomatic relations with China based on this principle. In 1971, when China and Nigeria established diplomatic relations, Nigeria solemnly pledged in the Joint Communiqué: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the entire Chinese people.” Since then, the One-China principle has been firmly supported by successive Nigerian governments, serving as the cornerstone for the healthy and stable development of China-Nigeria relations.

The Nigerian government requested the Taiwan authorities to relocate its trade office to Lagos from Abuja in 2017, strictly restricted official interactions between Nigerian government officials and Taiwan, and reiterated that the Taipei trade office in Nigeria is a non-diplomatic commercial entity that does not represent any government.

In September 2024, during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China, Nigeria reiterated in the Joint Statement: “Nigeria firmly adheres to the One-China principle, recognizes that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Nigeria opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ opposes interference in China’s internal affairs, and firmly supports the Chinese government’s efforts to achieve national reunification.”

China highly appreciates the Nigerian government’s firm stance on the Taiwan Question. Nigeria’s political resolve and firm stance align with the fundamental interests of the Nigerian nation and people, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the global landscape of one China.

Currently, the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership continues to deepen, with friendly cooperation becoming a model for China-Africa cooperation and Global South collaboration. China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and practical cooperation with Nigeria, promote the early implementation of a zero-tariff policy for 100% of tariff lines on products, enhance collaboration under the framework of Global Governance Initiative, and jointly build a China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

We hope that all peace-loving countries and peoples will stand on the side of historical justice, uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, safeguard the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, firmly oppose the deliberate distortions by the Taiwan authorities and a few countries, and take concrete actions to support the Chinese people’s just cause of defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieving national reunification.

Several Common Fallacies on the Taiwan Question

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UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

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UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria as the country
navigates rising energy costs and the growing urgency of the climate crisis,

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter made the commitment on Wednesday at his residence in Lagos in a statement at the second edition of W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, a high-level forum for Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition and key stakeholders, hosted by Alitheia Capital, a pioneer in gender-lens impact investing private equity firm, in collaboration with Manufacturing Africa, a UK government programme focused on attracting Foreign Direct Investment into the manufacturing sector.

Themed “Scaling Sustainable Manufacturing & Energy Transition for Women-led SMEs in Africa,” this year’s edition brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and energy solution providers to explore the pivotal role of women-led businesses in Africa’s sustainable industrial transformation.

The discussions, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria. addressed the acute pressures SMEs face amid surging fuel prices and electricity tariffs – conditions that have made sustainable energy adoption both an environmental and economic imperative. Insights from Alitheia’s own portfolio reveals that adopting renewable energy can cut operational costs by as much as 60%, underscoring the financial viability of clean energy for scaling women-led businesses.

Participants examined practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to access clean energy solutions, scale sustainable manufacturing practices, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s green economy.

In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter stated: “We are proud to collaborate with Alitheia Capital on W.O.M.A.N. (Women in Manufacturing, Agribusiness, and Nutrition) to drive Africa’s green industrial future. We recognise the indispensable role of women in this transition and are committed to expanding access to capital and capability to ensure sustainable growth. This event reflects our shared vision for inclusive and transformative development, and we are committed to supporting this journey through targeted investments and strategic private partnerships.”

Also speaking, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael said: “We are no longer just talking about sustainability as a nice-to-have. It’s an economic imperative, especially for women entrepreneurs at the heart of Nigeria’s industrial transformation and through W.O.M.A.N by Alitheia, we’re not only spotlighting solutions—we’re scaling them. In our own portfolio, we’ve seen up to a 60% reduction in energy costs among businesses that have adopted clean energy. This is proof that green transition is not only possible but profitable.”

The event also featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with industry leaders including Yemisi Iranloye (CEO, Psaltry), Affiong Williams (CEO, ReelFruit), Temilola Adepetun (Managing Director, SKLD), James Fabola (CFO, Arnergy Solar), Bukola Badmos (Executive Director & CFO, Starsight Energy), and Sarah Ogbewey, (Head, Strategic Partnerships, Renewable Energy & Mobility, Sterling Bank).

Alitheia Capital also launched Nzinga, its SME capacity-building platform designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools for scaling their businesses sustainably. In parallel, Manufacturing Africa unveiled its Green Business Building (GBB) accelerator, which will drive the growth of green businesses through strategic support on core business problems, leading to the development of an ecosystem for green manufacturing and green jobs in Nigeria.

The day closed with an ESG knowledge session, exhibitions from green energy and manufacturing solution providers, and a resounding call to action: expand access to capital, strengthen ecosystems, and enable policy that supports inclusive green industrialization.

UK Reaffirms Commitment Towards Economic Growth, Sustainable Development Across Nigeria

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French Government Calls for Collaboration to Protect Oceans for Plastic Threat

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French Government Calls for Collaboration to Protect Oceans for Plastic Threat

By: Michael Mike

The French government wants Nigeria, the rest of Africa and the global community to mobilise resources, policies and collaboration to protect the oceans from the dangers of plastic waste.

The French Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria,
Jean-François Hasperue, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a plastic waste awareness programme at the French Institute.

Hasperue said the call for a united front to tackle the challenge became necessary because plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental crises facing the globe, with oceans bearing the brunt of the escalating threat.

The envoy explained that from floating debris to microplastics embedded in marine organisms, the evidence of damage on the oceans has been overwhelming.

He said: ‘’Our panellists were explaining that the microplastics that are eaten by fish in the lagoon of Lagos might be eaten by people in Asia because fish have been taken by foreign boats and sold everywhere in the world. So yes, it’s a global issue that we need to address. And there is one specific issue, of course, we decided to address within the UN conference in Nice, is the one of biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions.

“Because it has been for too many years, a gap in which we have not been able to raise cooperation among countries to save these biggest parts of the oceans. And I expect that we will announce that we have reached the 60 signatories for ratification by the end of this week. So the BBNG will be able to be implemented starting the 1st of January 2026.”

According to Mr Hasperue, the French government is raising awareness in Nigeria particularly in Nigerian universities as part of global strategy to build capacity of students and also to rally support for empowering global local communities.

He said: “We are part of a global strategy of France, because of course we would like to act at different level. We act first globally, and that’s why we decided to welcome the UN Conference on Ocean, which is actually happening in Nice from the June 9th to the 13th this very week. And that’s why in the wake of this global conference, we wanted here in Nigeria and in Abuja to organise at our level a debate, but not only a debate here, but activities all over the month of June.

“And we had not less than 11 activities happening in six different states in Nigeria, first of all to raise awareness in Nigeria, but also to rally support for empowering global local communities.”

Hasperue underscored the importance of the UN Ocean Conference to addressing the dangers of plastic waste on oceans, noting that awareness creation remains very critical to ending the menace.

He added that: “We have to take into consideration that plastic, although it has been a solution at some point of history, that it has been now so massive, so huge, that it has become a problem. So now we have to better think how to better produce plastic, how to make sure that plastic is better recycled, and how we make sure that it will less affect all life all over the world.
They are part of a global strategy by France to not only act at the global level, but also at the level of the communities. So we have a double approach, top down, but also a bottom up, to make sure that we create the link between what we are doing on the global stage to raise awareness, but that it has a translation down to the local communities. In every country we are working with the governments and civil society organisations.”

The Deputy French Ambassor to Nigeria stressed that the French government is helping Nigerian universities with recycling plastic and micro plants as well as funding of projects in the universities.

He said: “We have a fund of 750,000, 100,000 euros now, which is about helping universities in recycling plastic. So within this project, we have two micro plants that will be given to Nile University and UNILAG to recycle plastic within the universities. We are also funding a project in five different universities.”

Similarly, Sebastien Bede, the Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy, pointed out that the French government has been cooperating with Nigerian partners to develop projects and implement solutions to plastic waste.
‘’So we have this project we call the French Embassy Fund to actually develop and implement solutions to tackle plastic pollution in Nigerian university campuses. And the idea is threefold. First, as previously the Deputy Ambassador said, to equip two universities here in Nigeria, UNILAG, Nile University in Abuja, with microplants to recycle plastic.

This comes with capacity building, with Plastic Odyssey, to train the staff and develop integrated solutions, which goes from collecting the plastic on the campus, sort it out, clean it, grind it, and then the final product. So we have the input and the output. So there’s been a collective reflection on what is the need here in Nigeria on the campuses.

About 17 Nigerian university students were awarded for their efforts in turning plastic waste to viable economic ventures.

French Government Calls for Collaboration to Protect Oceans for Plastic Threat

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