$50bn stolen from Africa annually —UN

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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.
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