$50BN STOLEN FROM AFRICA ANNUALLY —United Nation

THE United Nations, on Thursday,
disclosed that over $50 billion is being
stolen out of Africa annually.
This disclosure was made by United
Nation’s Deputy Secretary General, Mr
Jan Eliason, when he paid a courtesy
call on the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Honourable Aminu
Tambuwal.
While decrying the spate of looting in
Africa, he said “ it is more regrettable
because the money will have been
used to develop the continent.”
On Nigeria’s contributions to global
peace, the United Nations’ official said
“Nigeria is also a world leader in
building security, peace-keeping and
economic development and is a strong
ally to the United Nations.”
He said Nigeria has also “embraced its
multiplicity as a resource and not a
problem and this is a role model for
other African countries.”
In his remarks, Tambuwal commended
the United Nations for its support to
the Nigerian economy and Africa as a
critical part of the African Union 2063
Strategy.
According to him, the Nigerian
parliament had played major roles in
ensuring pro-poor policies that form
the core focus of its activities. These
included strengthening oversight of
public service delivery, prioritising
budgetary appropriation for pro-poor
sectors and creation of standing
committees, like that of the MDGs,
Human Rights, and HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis & Malaria Control which
focuses entirely on social development.
He added that the House of
Representatives was looking to
partnerships that would facilitate
investment in institutions, especially
those that would deliver services in
health, education, water, strengthen
data systems, access to justice and
other critical factors that enable
sustainable development.
On human rights, Tambuwal reaffirmed
Nigeria’s adherence to the human
rights, non-discrimination and non-
violence and hope for the continued
support of the United Nations.
“On 2015 elections, I would like to
assure you and your delegation that
National Assembly is doing everything
possible to achieve violence-free and
fair elections in Nigeria, through
amendment of the electoral laws,” he
said.