Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has called for urgent global action to address rising geopolitical tensions, arms proliferation and emerging security threats. He made the appeal during a visit by participants from the United States Army War College to Nigeria's Permanent Mission in New York. Ibrahim stressed the need for the UN to respond proactively to heightened geopolitical tensions and major power competition. He highlighted risks posed by artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, autonomous weapons and illicit arms transfers.
"The challenges brought about by Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence are significant," Ibrahim said. "The rise of autonomous weapons, drones, cyber warfare and AI-driven military technology makes it hard to define, regulate or verify arms limitations." He urged the international community to adapt to these evolving threats. Ibrahim noted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's military through increased funding, improved welfare and international partnerships. "His administration is dedicated to providing substantial funding for military operations, exploring innovative approaches and ensuring excellent welfare for service members," he said.
The envoy praised the U.S. Army War College for producing strategic leaders and cited notable Nigerian alumni, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu and Col. Charles Nengite. Nengite broke a 38-year record as the top international graduate of the institution. Ibrahim described their achievements as proof of the professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He welcomed Col. Timothy Ajato of the Nigerian Army, who was part of the visiting delegation.
Ibrahim said Nigeria is intensifying diplomatic engagement at the UN in line with Tinubu's vision of promoting peace, security and investment through global cooperation. He stated that Nigeria's foreign policy focuses on development, democracy, diaspora engagement and demographic vitality. Citing the World Bank/IMF Global Economic Outlook 2026, he expressed confidence in Nigeria's economic trajectory, saying the country ranks sixth among major contributors to global GDP. Ibrahim, who holds a doctorate in Modern War Studies from the University of Buckingham, said this was his first official delegation since becoming envoy.
Professor John Hagl, head of the visiting delegation, praised Nigeria's role at the UN and commended Ajato for representing Nigerian values, including humour, kindness and calm leadership.
Ibrahim calls for global action on AI warfare while celebrating Nigerian officers trained in U.S. military institutions, yet offers no detail on how Nigeria plans to regulate such technologies domestically. The same autonomous weapons and cyber threats he warns about remain unregulated within Nigeria's own defence framework. His praise for military alumni and economic rankings does not address whether Nigeria has a concrete policy on emerging warfare technologies. Without domestic safeguards, the call for UN action rings hollow.
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