UN Applauds Nigeria’s 60-Year Legacy In Global Peacekeeping
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria’s legacy as one of Africa’s strongest contributors to global peacekeeping has continued to receive accolades on the global stage, as the country earns praise for its unwavering commitment to global security since independence.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, commended Nigeria’s role in international peace efforts, noting that over 200,000 Nigerian troops, police, and civilians have participated in 41 United Nations peace operations since 1960.
Speaking at the National Defence College in Abuja, where he delivered a lecture on Emerging Issues in Contemporary Peace Support Operations (PSO) Environment, Fall stressed that today’s peacekeeping environment is facing new and complex threats.
He stressed the growing influence of organised crime, violent extremism, terrorism, and climate change as factors fueling instability across borders.
“Peacekeepers now face direct threats from armed militias, criminal organisations, and extremist groups. Peacekeeping must evolve to become more dynamic, flexible, and efficient,” Fall said.
The UN Envoy, harped that future missions must go beyond maintaining peace to preventing conflict, addressing governance deficits, and building resilience in fragile states.
Fall further emphasised that UN member states are already working on reforms to ensure peace operations remain fit for purpose in the fast-changing global security landscape.
