By TIAMIYU PRUDENCE AROBANI

Nigeria has called for increased United Nations funding to train African diplomats and legal professionals in artificial intelligence, cyber operations and emerging international legal challenges.

The country made the demand during the General Assembly Sixth Committee’s consideration of the UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law on Friday.

Nigeria’s representative, Mr Emmanuel Nweke, said international legal training must evolve to address rapidly changing technological and security challenges.

The delegation identified artificial intelligence, military applications of emerging technologies, cyber operations and the governance of outer space as priority areas.

Nigeria urged the UN Office of Legal Affairs to incorporate these subjects into its international law fellowship programme and regional training courses.

It also recommended expanding the UN Audiovisual Library of International Law to include materials addressing emerging legal developments.

The country suggested that artificial intelligence could help improve accessibility to the library’s educational resources.

Nigeria said developing countries increasingly required legal expertise to negotiate international agreements, defend national interests and participate effectively in global governance.

The delegation recalled that the UN established its international legal assistance programme in 1965, when many African countries had recently gained independence.

It said the programme had subsequently helped train generations of lawyers, judges, diplomats, academics and government legal advisers.

Nigeria disclosed that Africa accounted for 403 of the 847 applications received for the UN International Law Fellowship Programme in 2026.

The figures represented approximately 48 per cent of all applications, illustrating the continent’s substantial demand for international legal training.

The country also reported that the regional international law course held in Addis Ababa received 407 applications from 31 African countries.

Nigeria welcomed the participation of one Nigerian national in this year’s fellowship programme.

However, the delegation warned that the UN’s financial difficulties were threatening the continuity and effectiveness of its legal training activities.

It said liquidity problems had delayed planning for training programmes in 2026 and increased dependence on extra-budgetary financing.

Nigeria consequently demanded adequate and predictable funding for the programme through the UN regular budget for 2027.

The delegation maintained that voluntary contributions should supplement rather than replace guaranteed institutional financing.

It also advocated increasing opportunities for self-funded participants through sponsorship by governments, universities, bar associations and private institutions.

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the programme through its membership of the relevant UN advisory committee.

The intervention followed Nigeria’s participation in the committee’s 61st session, held on October 6 under Ghana’s chairmanship. (NAN)