Nigeria’s National Statement Delivered on 18th March at the Executive Board plenary by H. E. Dr. Hajo Sani, Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO
President of the General Conference, Chairperson of the Executive Board, Madam Director-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,
Let me start by extending my congratulations to Madame Chairperson for the exemplary manner in which you are steering the proceedings of this Session. We appreciate the Director-General for her insightful introduction to the General Policy Debate and the activities of the Secretariat.
Excellencies,
Mid-term to the execution of the current Programme and Budget, the contributions thus far in this plenary underscore our collective responsibility to remain vigilant in directing programmatic actions. It is imperative not only to fulfill our oversight duties but also to remain committed to the predetermined objectives and targets set for 2025.
In this light, we welcome the report on programme implementation spanning 2022 to 2023. While cognizant of the statistical figures presented, the integrated report format underscores our multifaceted mandate towards policy coherence. Although there are notable improvements reflecting a heightened focus on results and impact, certain capacities require further strengthening to tackle the reverse in implementing the (SDGs). Nigeria commends the strides made in resource mobilization, with notable growth in regular and voluntary contributions. It is paramount to acknowledge all contributing Member States and partners. However, we note with concern that a significant portion of the funds is earmarked for predetermined programmes, thereby limiting the Secretariat’s flexibility to use them on its own priority assessments. Furthermore, a substantial percentage is allocated to emergency interventions, prompting an appeal for greater flexibility in future allocations.
Additionally, my delegation acknowledges the progress made in the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa. However, we believe that increased funding allocation would expedite the successful implementation of this strategy within the timeframe. The imperative of achieving geographical and gender balance in the Human Resources Strategy remains a priority. We note, inter alia, a 31% increase in job applications from non and underrepresented countries. We are interested in the proportion of this increase translating into actual employment opportunities.
The report on UNESCO’s efforts toward enhancing global financing for Media and Information Literacy is commendable is noted. In line with the Abuja Declaration, Nigeria reaffirms its proposal to establish an International Institute for Media and Information Literacy as a Category 2 Centre. Efforts are underway at the national level, including consultations with all stakeholders to present a formal proposal during the autumn Session of the Board.
The contributions of the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, a Category 2 Centre in Abeokuta, to the 2005 Convention are laudable. We express satisfaction with the progress of its renewal. In accordance with decisions on the sustainability of the Field Network, we express appreciation to the Secretariat for its ongoing efforts to equip the Abuja Office with adequate professional staff. We urge continued action until all staffing requirements across sectors are met at the requisite levels.
Nigeria welcomes the report on UNESCO’s engagement in the Repositioning of the UN Development System and its alignment with field reform. We support the ongoing engagement leading up to the Summit of the Future and efforts to uphold UNESCO’s mandate in a Declaration that may chart a new post-2030 Global agenda.
In this vein, our call for targeted action to ensure the mainstreaming of culture as a stand-alone goal in the forthcoming agenda remains pertinent. It is time to galvanize action, and Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with Management in embedding the “Culture Agenda” within the “Pact of the Future.”
Madame Chair, Excellencies,
In 1987, several antiquities, including the “Ife 2” Bronze Head, were stolen from the National Museum in Jos. Nigeria promptly took necessary measures, listing the artifact on the ICOM Red List. About three decades later, the London Metropolitan Police intercepted the “Ife 2” as it was poised for auction in London by a prominent art collector.
We express appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the UNESCO Secretariat, the Governments of the United Kingdom, and Belgium in supporting our efforts to reclaim this bronze head. While we eagerly anticipate a favourable resolution, Nigeria remains steadfast in its collaboration with all stakeholders in accordance with the principles outlined in the Conventions guiding the “return of cultural properties”. We acknowledge the role of the African World Heritage Fund in enhancing capacity for World Heritage development in Africa and anticipate the renewal of the agreement establishing the Fund.
In conclusion, Nigeria aligns with the statement by the Ambassador of Botswana on behalf of Group V(a).
I extend my sincere gratitude for your attention.
