President Bola Tinubu told United Nations members at the UNGA that sanctions should be given to companies and persons involved in illegal arms and minerals smuggling in and out of Africa.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed that Tinubu made this known when he addressed world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday in New York, USA.
President Tinubu accused foreign entities of contributing to poverty and chaos in parts of Africa.
He noted that these foreign entities cart away Africa’s resources that would have been used to develop the continent.
“Foreign entities that are abetted by local criminals, who aspire to be petty warlords, have drafted thousands of our people into servitude to illegally mine gold and other resources.
“Billions of dollars meant to improve the nation now fuel countless violent enterprises. If left unchecked, they will threaten peace and place national security at grave risk. Given the extent of this injustice and the high stakes involved, many Africans are asking whether this phenomenon is by accident or design.
“Member nations must reply by working with us to deter their firms and nationals from this 21st-century pillage of the continent’s riches”, he stated.
On economic investment in Nigeria and Africa, Tinubu stressed that the country and continent are open for business.
“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner”, he added.
Recall that Tinubu departed Nigeria for the 78th UNGA in New York, USA.