Ademola Oshodi, senior special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on foreign affairs and protocol, says all conflicts are rooted in national interests, noting that adherence to international law must take precedence.
In an interview with Arise News on Monday, Oshodi highlighted the importance of multilateralism in resolving tensions following the renewed conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
“Nigeria has always been a big player in multilateralism. We believe all conflicts are based on national interests, but we follow a rule-based order,” the presidential aide said.
“We believe the United Nations should be the first port of call for conflicts. Nigeria believes that if we work in international partnership, conflicts should be resolved that way.”
Oshodi noted that Nigeria would not involve itself in the conflict, having not participated in previous or ongoing nuclear negotiations.
He added that countries, regardless of their interests, respect relevant UN resolutions.
“We have to follow a situation whereby people’s interests should be tabled at international forums, where everybody will have a clear opportunity and understand their own interest,” Oshodi noted.
On Saturday, Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, announced a pre-emptive attack on Iran. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the US had joined in on the operation.
The attacks come as both countries seek to rid Iran of its nuclear programme.
Iran has since responded with retaliatory strikes in Israel and at US military bases across the Gulf region.
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