United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today that Nigeria has fully paid its 2025 membership dues, joining 144 other member states in meeting their financial obligations to the organization amid growing concerns over liquidity shortfalls. This brings the total number of countries that have settled their dues in full to 145 out of 193, with less than five weeks remaining in the year.
Nigeria completed its payment on September 25, 2025, demonstrating commitment to the UN's mission despite global economic challenges. Key contributors like China paid on October 29, while major arrears from countries such as the United States and Russia continue to strain the UN's operations.
“I have repeatedly appealed to member states to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time,” said Secretary-General Guterres during his address to the Fifth Committee in New York. He warned that unpaid dues are approaching $1.6 billion, forcing significant budget cuts and hampering the organization's ability to address pressing global issues.
The UN ended 2024 with $760 million in unpaid assessments, and has yet to receive $877 million for 2025, resulting in total arrears of approximately $1.586 billion. “Liquidity remains fragile, and this challenge will persist regardless of the final budget approved,” Guterres added, emphasizing the need for timely payments to sustain core functions.
This development highlights Nigeria's role in supporting multilateralism, even as the UN proposes slashing its 2026 budget by $577 million and reducing staff positions to cope with financial pressures.