Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has directed Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York to open a bank account with the United Bank for Africa(UBA) within seven days.
He gave the directive during a meeting with officials of the bank in New York.
Stressing the importance of supporting Nigerian-owned businesses abroad, Ambassador Ibrahim described the absence of such a relationship for over 42 years as unacceptable.
He said in a statement by his media office in New York that it was surprising that, despite both UBA and the Nigerian Mission operating in New York for decades, no official banking relationship existed between them.
The Permanent Representative said: “ While reviewing our account, I asked the Financial Attaché if he was aware that UBA is here in New York, and he confirmed he was.
“I was surprised to learn that even though your office has been here for the past 42 years, just like our permanent mission, we don’t have any account with you(UBA), not even a deposit account.
“I need to address this unacceptable situation because President Bola Tinubu would not be pleased if, after some days of resumption, I cannot facilitate a partnership between the Nigerian government and the private sector for collaborative results.
‘’Therefore, within seven days, the Financial Attaché must open an account with you(UBA).”
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring that Nigeria secured a seat in the UN Law Reform Commission.
The envoy encouraged private sector operators to engage more actively with the Nigerian Mission, noting that the Mission House belongs to all Nigerians and should serve as a platform for business collaboration and investment opportunities.
Chief Operating Officer of UBA in New York, Osilama Idokogi, commended Ambassador Ibrahim for his patriotism and commitment to promoting Nigerian institutions globally.
Idokogi stated that UBA would be delighted to begin formal banking relations with the Nigerian Mission after years of unsuccessful efforts.
