Nigeria has only paid about 36 per cent of its financial contributions to the United Nations (UN) over the past five years, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to its international obligations.
According to official data from the UN, Nigeria was expected to pay a total of $30.53 million between 2020 and 2024 as its assessed contribution to the UN’s regular budget. However, only $10.96 million has been paid so far, leaving a backlog of over $19.57 million.
The development comes at a time when the UN is facing a major financial crisis. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the UN’s ongoing liquidity problems could seriously affect its peacekeeping, humanitarian, and diplomatic activities across the world.
Guterres recently briefed member states in New York, urging for urgent reforms to reduce costs and improve the UN’s effectiveness. He revealed that only $1.8 billion has been received out of the $3.5 billion needed for the 2025 budget, leaving a funding gap of around 50 per cent.
As of April 30, 2025, the UN was still expecting payments from several member states. The United States leads with about $1.5 billion in unpaid dues, followed by China ($597 million), Russia ($72 million), Saudi Arabia ($42 million), Mexico ($38 million), and Venezuela ($38 million). Another $137 million remains outstanding from various other countries.
The UN is also struggling to cover its peacekeeping operations. The organisation’s peacekeeping budget, which runs from July to June, has an outstanding balance of $2.7 billion, including previous arrears. Additionally, the International Tribunals are owed $79 million.
“These are times of peril,” Guterres said, while stressing the need for urgent reforms. “But they are also times of profound opportunity and obligation. The mission of the United Nations is more urgent than ever.”
He said the UN will continue to make structural changes aimed at reducing duplication of roles, cutting costs, and modernising its systems. Guterres noted that the proposals will be reflected in the 2026 budget review and additional long-term reforms will follow in 2027.
As part of the plans, some departments, especially those involved in political and peacekeeping affairs, could see up to 20 per cent staff reduction. Guterres said this move could be extended to other departments depending on their unique needs.
“There might be immediate, one-off costs involved in relocating staff and providing termination packages,” he said. “But by moving posts from high-cost locations, we can reduce our commercial footprint and cut down on personnel and other expenses.”
Departments in New York and Geneva have already been directed to assess whether some staff can be relocated to lower-cost duty stations or if some positions should be abolished altogether.
While Guterres acknowledged that these measures won’t immediately solve the cash crisis, he said they will help reduce the pressure. He stressed that the real issue is the failure of some countries to pay their dues on time.
Data from the UN shows that Nigeria only made full payments in 2022 and 2024. On March 10, 2022, Nigeria paid $5.23 million, and another $5.73 million was paid on September 11, 2024. There were no payments recorded for 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Because of this, Nigeria was excluded from the UN Honour Roll in those three years. The Honour Roll lists countries that pay their contributions in full by the end of the year. Nigeria reappeared on the list only in 2022 and 2024.
As of May 22, 2025, Nigeria had not made any payment towards its 2025 UN dues, which stands at $5.1 million. By that date, 108 countries had already paid in full, but Nigeria was not among them.
The UN also revised Nigeria’s assessed contribution downward due to its weakening economy. From 0.25 per cent in 2020 and 2021, Nigeria’s rate dropped to 0.18 per cent between 2022 and 2024, and further to 0.15 per cent in 2025.
This reflects Nigeria’s economic struggles, including rising debt servicing costs and the weakening of the naira. Analysts say Nigeria’s continued delay in paying its UN dues raises questions about the country’s ability to maintain its influence on the global stage.
The UN has continued to urge all member states to pay their contributions promptly to ensure its work around the world is not disrupted.
