United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s push for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to a statement issued by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Guterres highlighted Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity, and vast natural and human resources as critical factors positioning it for continental leadership.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres was quoted as saying.
The UN chief commended the economic and security reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting Nigeria’s leadership role in stabilising West Africa and the Sahel region despite domestic security challenges.
Discussions between the two leaders focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration in global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and humanitarian coordination across Africa.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and reiterated the country’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system.
He stressed that Africa deserves stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria merits a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged deeper cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming UN support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and expanding leadership role across the continent.
