Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, has urged the international body to address the “major power competition” and the regulatory challenges posed by autonomous weapons and Artificial Intelligence.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, has issued a clarion call for the UN to proactively address the escalating geopolitical tensions and the rapid emergence of high-tech security threats. Ibrahim made these remarks while hosting participants from the United States Army War College at the Nigerian Permanent Mission in New York on Tuesday.
The envoy highlighted that the international community is currently grappling with a “major power competition” and a new frontier of warfare that is increasingly difficult to regulate. He identified Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber warfare, and autonomous weapons as critical areas where the UN must step up its oversight.
Ambassador Ibrahim, a scholar of Modern War Studies, warned that the rise of AI-driven military technology and drones has blurred the lines of traditional arms control.
“The rise of autonomous weapons, drones, cyber warfare, and AI-driven military technology makes it hard to define, regulate, or verify arms limitations,” Ibrahim stated. “It’s crucial for the military and international bodies to respond proactively to these issues.”
The envoy reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering Nigeria’s internal security through increased funding, innovative technology, and the welfare of service members. He noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy under the current administration is focused on the “4-Ds”: Development, Democracy, Diaspora Engagement, Demographic Vitality.
Ibrahim also pointed to Nigeria’s rising economic influence, citing recent World Bank and IMF projections for 2026 that place Nigeria as the sixth-largest contributor to global GDP growth.
The visit by the U.S. Army War College was described as a testament to the long-standing strategic partnership between both nations. Ibrahim took the opportunity to celebrate the excellence of Nigerian officers who have attended the college, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and the record-breaking Col. Charles Nengite.
The head of the U.S. delegation, Prof. John Hagl, lauded Nigeria’s influential role at the UN and praised the conduct of Nigerian participants like Col. Timothy Ajato, who was part of the visiting team. He noted that Nigerian strategic leaders continue to bring “calm leadership” and expertise to the global security discourse.
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