By David Meshioye

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has directed the Permanent Mission of Nigeria in New York to open a bank account with United Bank for Africa within seven days, describing the absence of a banking relationship between both institutions after more than four decades as unacceptable.

Ibrahim issued the directive during a meeting with officials of UBA in New York, where he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between Nigerian government institutions and indigenous private sector organisations operating abroad.

According to a statement issued by his media office in New York, the envoy expressed surprise that despite both the Nigerian Mission and UBA operating in New York for over 42 years, no official banking relationship existed between them.

“Let me thank you for taking the time to come and see me. 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,” Ibrahim said.

“However, I am 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, not even a deposit account.”

The envoy linked the directive to the Federal Government’s push for local content and public-private partnership initiatives, stating that President Bola Tinubu would expect stronger cooperation between public institutions and Nigerian-owned businesses abroad.

“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,” he said.

“Therefore, within seven days, the Financial Attaché must open an account with you.”

Ibrahim also urged Nigerian private sector operators to engage more actively with the Nigerian Mission in New York, describing the Mission House as a platform for collaboration and investment opportunities for Nigerians abroad.

He further stated that opening the account would improve transparency, accountability and support government agencies whenever necessary.

Responding, the Chief Operating Officer of UBA New York, Osilama Idokogi, commended Ibrahim for what he described as patriotism and commitment to promoting Nigerian institutions internationally.

Idokogi said the bank would be pleased to begin formal banking relations with the Nigerian Mission after years of unsuccessful efforts to establish such a partnership.