Nigeria has called for the allocation of at least two permanent seats to Africa on the United Nations Security Council, with full rights and responsibilities, including veto powers.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the demand on Thursday while delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York. (Trust Radio)
Nigeria also called for five non-permanent seats for Africa, in line with the continent’s longstanding common position on reform of the Security Council.
Shettima said the current composition of the Council no longer reflected contemporary geopolitical realities, arguing that the global institution must adapt to present-day realities.
“The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” he said.
He said Africa could no longer continue to occupy a significant portion of the Security Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership.
Nigeria’s position, according to Shettima, is anchored on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which constitute the African Union’s common position on Security Council reform. (Trust Radio)
Under the proposal, Africa would have at least two permanent seats with the same rights and responsibilities as existing permanent members, including veto powers for as long as the veto remains part of the Council’s structure.
The continent would also receive five non-permanent seats.
The Security Council currently has 15 members, comprising five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The five permanent members possess veto power over substantive resolutions. (United Nations)
Shettima argued that reform of the Council should be central to efforts to restore confidence in the multilateral system and ensure that international institutions adequately represent contemporary global realities.
He said Nigeria remained committed to the principles of the UN Charter, including diplomacy, international cooperation and respect for international law.
The Vice President also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution across Africa, citing the country’s involvement in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
Nigeria’s demand comes amid renewed international discussions over reform of the Security Council and Africa’s representation in the body.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently described Africa’s continued absence from permanent membership of the Security Council as “unjust and indefensible.” (TheCable)
The call also reflects the wider African position that the continent, which currently has no permanent seat on the Council, should have a greater role in decisions concerning global peace and security.
Nigeria’s renewed demand therefore places Security Council reform at the centre of its diplomatic agenda at the ongoing UN General Assembly.
