UNGA: Anyaegbu Concludes Tenure As Second Committee Vice Chair

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ezekwesiri David Anyaegbu, has ended his tenure as Vice Chair of the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) following the conclusion of the 79th Session in New York on Monday, September 8, 2025.

The Second Committee, also known as the Economic and Financial Committee, is one of the Assembly’s six main committees, responsible for issues relating to international trade, financing for development, sustainable development, and global economic cooperation.

Ambassador Anyaegbu, who was elected in 2023, played a key role in coordinating the committee’s work on a wide range of issues, including investment, debt sustainability, combating illicit financial flows, and tax reforms. In June, he briefly presided over the committee to oversee the election of a substantive Chair, a move that earned him commendation for ensuring stability in its operations.

Reflecting on his service, Anyaegbu described the position as significant both personally and nationally. “It means a lot to my family and the country of course. My election enabled Nigeria consolidate and deepen various multilateral economic initiatives at the UN,” he said, adding that neutrality and consensus-building were central to his approach.

With the close of the 79th Session, a new bureau has been elected to lead the Second Committee for the 80th Session, which begins on September 9. The incoming leadership is headed by Ambassador Lamin B. Dibba of The Gambia as Chair, supported by Vice Chairs Weronika Garbacz of Poland, Andres Napuri Pita of Peru, and Jenni Mikkola of Finland. Javad Momeni of Iran will serve as Rapporteur.

Ambassador Anyaegbu’s tenure adds to Nigeria’s history of active participation in the UN General Assembly, following in the footsteps of Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, who served as President of the 74th UNGA in 2019.