Xenophobia Not Our Agenda at UNGA – Onyeama
- Nigeria to push for UN support in the war on terror, the humane treatment of migrants at 74th UNGA.
- South Africa to compensates victims with insured properties.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama has said that xenophobic attacks will not be on the nation’s agenda at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) because he believes both Nigeria and South Africa will be able to sort out their differences.
Speaking at a media briefing on Nigeria’s participation at the 74th UNGA holding in New York on Tuesday, the Minister said that the issues of non-renewal of work permits of Nigerians in South Africa and the reports around the cancellation of the residency of the returnees will be discussed by both President Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa during their meeting on October 3.
He also revealed that the South African government has promised that businesses that were insured will be compensated. So, some victims of the xenophobic attacks who lost their goods to the looting of shops owned by foreigners might have cause to smile.
READ: Xenophobia: We Haven’t Suspend Evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa – Air Peace
According to him, insurance should cover any damage done and added that talks are ongoing on how other forms of compensation can be done via an investor protection agreement.
The Minister who revealed that President Muhamadu Buhari will be the 5th on the list of presidents to address the assembly said the president will use the opportunity to articulate to the world, priorities of the Nigerian government.
Nigeria will be organising side events which include SDG integration and promotion of international cooperation to tackle illicit cash flows and recovery of stolen assets as it is hoping to partake in engagements at the UNGA, which will help the country have seats in several organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation, the World Heritage Committee, and the International Civil Aviation Council.
READ: Xenophobia: FG Ready to Support Nigerians Returning from South Africa – Abike Dabiri
At the event, Nigeria will also push for UN support in the war on terror, the humane treatment of migrants as well as Nigeria’s quest to recharge lake Chad.
