The presentation marks the first time in Nigeria’s 66-year membership of the UN that a Nigerian representative has chaired the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Matters.
Ibrahim presented the seven-volume document to Tinubu at the State House on Sunday evening, describing the development as a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria.
The proposed budget covers the UN’s regular operations, peacekeeping missions and other financial commitments. Ibrahim said about $3.4 billion was allocated to the organisation’s regular budget, while approximately $8.5 billion was earmarked for peacekeeping operations.
He explained that the proposal was submitted to the Fifth Committee by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for consideration and further negotiations among member states.
According to the envoy, Nigeria’s leadership of the committee prompted him to formally present the budget documents to Tinubu, who represents the country at the highest level of government.
Ibrahim, who was elected chairman of the committee on 2 June 2026, described the position as a rare diplomatic achievement, noting that Nigeria could not predict when it would have another opportunity of such significance.
However, he declined to disclose the specific benefits Nigeria expected to gain from the position, explaining that negotiations over the proposed budget were still ongoing.
He stressed that the figures were not final and could change before the General Assembly approved the budget.
“The budget still has to be approved. It’s a proposed budget,” he said.
Ibrahim added that expenditure could only begin after the necessary approval processes had been completed.
To illustrate the scale of projects funded through the UN system, the ambassador cited a conference facility under construction in Nairobi, Kenya, estimated to cost about $260 million.
The Fifth Committee is one of the six main committees of the UN General Assembly. It examines the organisation’s budget proposals, administrative expenses and resource allocation before the General Assembly makes final decisions.
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